System and method for awarding prizes in a local edition of an online game

ABSTRACT

According to some embodiments of the present invention a system and method are provided that allow a player of a game to receive at least one prize. The method may include receiving information about at least one merchant, enabling play of a game by a player, determining merchant information to communicate to the player, and providing at least one prize to the player. In some embodiments, the prizes made available to a player (e.g., for selection) may be based on the location of the player, a merchant, or both.

The present application claims the benefit of priority of:

-   a) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/463,134 filed Apr. 15,    2003, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AWARDING RETAIL ENTITLEMENTS    THROUGH AN ONLINE GAME,” in the name of Walker et al.;-   b) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/512,869 filed Oct. 21,    2003, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING THE    REDEMPTION OF PROMOTIONAL OFFERS,” in the name of Walker et al.;-   c) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/523,744 filed Nov. 20,    2003, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING    INFORMATION TO MERCHANTS,” in the name of Walker et al.; and-   d) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/523,758 filed Nov. 20,    2003, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING THE    REDEMPTION OF PROMOTIONAL OFFERS,” in the name of Walker et al;    and the present application also is a continuation-in-part of U.S.    patent application Ser. No. 10/822,611 filed Apr. 12, 2004, entitled    “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PRODUCTS TO GAME PLAYERS” now    abandoned; which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional    Patent Application No. 60/462,092 filed Apr. 10, 2003. The entirety    of each of the above applications is incorporated by reference    herein for all purposes.

This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/908,853 filed May 27, 2005, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORPRESENTING PRIZES IN A GAME.”

This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/267,651 filed Oct. 8, 2002, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FORFACILITATING THE PROVISION OF A BENEFIT TO A PLAYER OF A GAMING WEBSITE.”

BACKGROUND

Attracting and retaining a base of local customers is important to thesuccess of most retail endeavors. Historically, many retailers havetried to attract local customers through advertising and promotions.However, advertising costs are on the rise, and many commentators arguethat advertising is steadily becoming less effective. Further,promotional vehicles such as coupons are declining in effectiveness.Accordingly, an ongoing need exists among retailers for systems andmethods designed to facilitate the acquisition of local customers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings depict some exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example system according to someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example controller according to someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user device or merchantdevice according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a table illustrating an example data structure of a playerdatabase for use in some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a table illustrating an example data structure of a merchantdatabase for use in some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a table illustrating an example data structure of a prizedatabase for use in some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a table illustrating an example data structure of an issuedprize database for use in some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a table illustrating an example data structure of apresentation rules database for use in some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example process according to someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example process according tosome embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts an example screen of a game according to someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 depicts an example screen of a game according to someembodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 depicts an example screen of a game according to someembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicants have recognized that some types of game players and consumerswould find it appealing to play a game that is configured, at least inpart, based on geographic data. According to some embodiments of thepresent invention, one or more elements of a game may be configuredbased on geographic data associated with a player. For example, based ona player's selection or indication of a particular geographic location,one or more game elements (e.g., subject matter of game questions, themeelements, graphics, audio, prizes) may be determined and used to providea “local edition” of a game to the player.

Applicants have further recognized that some types of game players andconsumers may find it appealing to play for prizes that are relevant totheir geographic area. Some embodiments allow for an entity (e.g., agame server, a prize server) to identify one or more available prizesbased on geographic data associated with the player. For example, basedon a player's success in playing a game, the player may be allowed toselect (and/or may be awarded) a prize that is based on geographic dataprovided by the player (e.g., a selection of a particular “localedition” of a game, a residential address, a ZIP code).

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a prize maycomprise an entitlement (e.g., to a retail product or service). In otherembodiments, a prize for play of a game may be the opportunity to obtainat least one entitlement. For example, a player of a game may bepermitted to receive at least one entitlement to a product or servicebased on the player's play of the game.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a player can earn(e.g., based on game performance) the ability to purchase one or moreentitlements. According to some embodiments, the amount required topurchase an entitlement may be based on the player's performance in agame.

Applicants have also recognized that some types of retailers may find itappealing to take advantage of new systems and methods useful infacilitating the acquisition of local customers. One or more embodimentsof the present invention provide for systems and methods thatadvantageously allow for a retailer to submit marketing information(e.g., information about a retailer, information about products and/oroffers available from a retailer) to a central controller that willdistribute such information to system users. Some embodiments of thepresent invention provide for systems and methods that advantageouslyallow for a retailer to sponsor one or more various types of prizesand/or allow a central entity to distribute such prizes, which mayinclude entitlements redeemable at retail merchants. In at least oneembodiment, such a distribution may be managed in a centralized, onlinesystem (e.g., through presentation of an online game).

Applicants have further recognized that some merchants may find itappealing, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention,to be able to promote goods and services to prospective customers frompredefined geographical regions by awarding entitlements through onlinegames. In one or more embodiments, promotional entitlements may be basedon geographic data associated with such prospective customers.

Various embodiments of the present invention allow for an entity (e.g.,a central server) to distribute to users entitlements redeemable atretail merchants. Some embodiments allow for an entity to manage play ofan online game that awards entitlements as prizes (e.g., based on gameperformance) to geographically relevant players. According to someembodiments, elements in the online game may be configured based ongeographic data associated with a prospective customer. For example,based on a prospective customer's selection of a geographic location,products from local retailers are selected from a database and used toprovide a “local edition” of a game (e.g., a pricing-themed game).Alternatively or additionally, based on geographic data associated witha prospective customer, an online game may be configured to awardcertain geographically relevant prizes (e.g., entitlements to productsmarketed by local retailers).

Applicants have also recognized that some types of retailers would findit appealing, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention, to utilize an entertaining way to (a) distribute promotionalentitlements to geographically relevant prospective customers, and/or(b) educate prospective customers about goods and services offered bylocal retail merchants. For example, some types of retailers would findit appealing to use an online game system to motivate players of thegame (prospective customers) into becoming customers. Similarly,prospective customers would find it appealing to be able to receivepromotional entitlements and/or information about local products andservices in an entertaining way.

In some embodiments, merchants may be able to attract new customers byproviding products or services at sub-retail prices. Users may, in turn,obtain products at steep discounts while enjoying an entertaining gameexperience.

In some embodiments, a controller may sell game plays to users and/orreceive payments from users based on a gap between a price levelprovided to a user (e.g., through play of a game) and a target price.Preferably, the gap or payment amount is greater than the price that thecontroller paid (if any) to obtain a corresponding entitlement (e.g., aproduct guarantee).

Some embodiments of the present invention provide the benefit that acontroller does not need to handle actual products. For example, whilethe controller may maintain information about what products areavailable at participating merchants, the controller need not itselftake possession of actual merchandise.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a merchant (orthird party) sells or otherwise provides a retail entitlement to acontroller. The controller sells to a user a means for obtaining aproduct or service associated with the entitlement, and the user obtainsthe product or service from the merchant.

Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings. The leftmost digit(s) of areference numeral typically identifies the figure in which the referencenumeral first appears.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the drawings andaccompanying descriptions presented herein are exemplary configurationsand arrangements for stored representations of information. A number ofother configurations and arrangements may be employed besides thoseshown. For example, the illustrated entries represent exemplaryinformation, but those skilled in the art will understand that thenumber and content of the entries can be different from thoseillustrated herein.

A. Introductory Examples

The following scenarios describe exemplary embodiments in which a playermay obtain one or more retail entitlements as a prize. The examples areprovided merely as a brief introduction and to illustrate some aspectsand features of the present invention, and should not be construed aslimiting the scope of the invention in any way. Various otherembodiments and examples of embodiments are discussed in further detailherein, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art in lightof the present disclosure.

In one example of a “Prize Meter” embodiment, a pricing-themed game isconfigured based on a prospective customer's selection of a geographicregion. More specifically, based on the prospective customer's selectionof a geographic region, the controller consults a database andconfigures a “showcase” of products available at retail merchants withinthe geographic region. The controller then initiates a pricing-themedgame whereby prospective customers are asked a series of price-orientedquestions about the showcased products. Throughout the game (e.g., aftereach question and answer), the controller communicates the prospectivecustomer's success in answering the questions by adjusting a “PrizeMeter” that represents an amount of credit the player has won toward thepurchase of at least one product in the showcase. At the end of thegame, the prospective customer may elect to pay the difference betweenthe final Prize Meter amount and a target price. For example, a targetprice may be based on an average of the retail prices of products in agiven group (e.g., a showcase of products). Payment of this differenceto the controller would allow the customer to redeem at least oneshowcased product from a retailer within the selected geographicalregion. In some Prize Meter embodiments, the difference between a PrizeMeter amount and a target price may be referred to as a Prize Meter GapAmount. Further, in some Prize Meter embodiments, players must pay thecontroller an amount based on the Prize Meter Gap Amount in order toreceive retail entitlements.

According to another example of a Prize Meter embodiment, Sue Johnson, aconsumer from Stamford, Conn., uses her personal computer to log ontowww.GameShow24.com, a website configured to host a pricing-themed gamebased on the television show “The Price is Right™.” Upon first enteringthe website, the controller that hosts the website prompts Sue to enterher name and verify that she is at least eighteen years old. After Sueenters her name and verifies her age, the controller prompts Sue toselect an area-specific edition of the game from a plurality of listedpossibilities, including, for example “New Canaan, Conn.,” “Weston,Conn.” and “Stamford, Conn.”

After Sue selects the “Stamford, Conn.” option, a “greeting screen” ispresented to Sue. The greeting screen depicts a game show host characterand includes a message that reads, “Nice to have you here, Sue Johnson.I'm the host of the show, Bill. Here's how we play.” The greeting screenis followed by a series of instructional screens, which explain to Sue:(1) “You'll be asked four questions about the retail prices of selecteditems from Stamford merchants”; (2) “After each question, you'll seeyour ‘Prize Meter.’ The better you play, the higher it gets, and themore credit you win towards the purchase of items from Stamfordmerchants”; and (3) “After four questions, the show ends. Then, you'llpick your items from the 24 prizes that appeared on the show. And, firsttime players get prizes absolutely free. So let's play!”

Based on Sue's selection of the “Stamford, Conn.” option, the controllerretrieves, from a database, game elements corresponding to a “Stamfordedition” of the game. More specifically, icons representing productsoffered at merchants within the Stamford area are retrieved from adatabase and communicated to Sue in a “showcase” of products. Othergraphics and text presented in the game communicate information about aplurality of local merchants (e.g., a merchant's location and businesshours).

The game begins as the controller provides Sue with her first question.More specifically, the game show host character is represented assaying, “Here is your first question. Which 4 items from Stamford-areamerchants have a retail price more than $4.00?” The controller alsoprovides images of six products for sale at Stamford merchants. AfterSue selects four of the six products in response to the question (e.g.,by checking corresponding boxes using a mouse or other pointer device),the controller consults a database to determine Sue's success inanswering the question. For example, the controller may determine thatSue selected only three of the four correct items, and may output ascreen reading, “Not bad. You got 3 out of 4 right.”

After this first round of the game is completed, the controller adjustsSue's Prize Meter, which will ultimately represent the amount of creditSue has won toward the purchase of at least one product from aparticipating merchant in the Stamford area. More specifically, based onSue's degree of accuracy/correctness in answering the question, thePrize Meter is increased. For example, Sue's original Prize Meter amountof $0 may be increased to $1.50 based on Sue's selecting three of fourcorrect answers in the first round of the game. The adjusted price isoutput to Sue along with a message that reads, “That's a good start.You're on your way to some great prizes.”

Similarly, three more rounds ensue, asking Sue price-oriented questionsabout products available at participating Stamford-area merchants. Aftereach round, based on Sue's degree of accuracy/correctness, the PrizeMeter is increased further.

After the last (fourth) round, the final Prize Meter amount iscalculated and displayed to Sue. The controller consults a database todetermine the number of products toward which Sue may apply her PrizeMeter credit (e.g., two items). Further, the controller outputs aninstructional message explaining that, generally, players would pay thedifference between the final Prize Meter amount and a target price(e.g., the average retail price of the items in the showcase), andthereby receive vouchers good for one or more selected showcaseproducts. However, the controller recognizes Sue as a first-time player,and awards a credit equal to the difference between the final PrizeMeter amount and the target price. Thereafter, Sue (1) selects apredetermined number of prizes in the showcase (e.g., two items), and(2) provides identification data, such as full name, address, and creditcard number. After selecting her items in the showcase, Sue is permittedto download and print vouchers that indicate her entitlement to thecorresponding goods and/or services offered at Stamford merchants.

According to one example of a “Price Tag” embodiment, a pricing-themedgame is configured based on a prospective customer's selection of ageographic region. Based on the prospective customer's success inanswering price-oriented questions about products sold by merchantswithin the selected geographic region, a Price Tag is adjusted. At theend of the game, the prospective customer may elect to pay the Price Tagamount. Payment of the Price Tag amount to the controller would providethe customer the right to redeem at least one product from a retailerwithin the selected geographic region.

According to another example of a “Price Tag” embodiment, Bob Smith, aconsumer from Stamford, Conn., uses his personal computer to log ontowww.GameShow24.com, a website configured to host a pricing-themed gamebased on the television show “The Price is Right™.” Upon first enteringthe website, the controller which hosts the website prompts Bob to enterhis name and verify that he is at least eighteen years old. After Bobenters his name and verifies his age, the controller prompts Bob toselect an area-specific edition of the game from a plurality of listedpossibilities, including, for example “New Canaan, Conn.,” “Weston,Conn.” and “Stamford, Conn.”

After Bob selects the “Stamford, Conn.” option, a “greeting screen” isprovided to Bob, in a manner similar to that described above withrespect to the Prize Meter example. The game begins as the controllerprovides Bob with his first question. More specifically, a game showhost character is illustrated to state, “Here is your first question.Which 4 items from Stamford-area merchants have a retail price more than$4.00?” The controller simultaneously provides images of six productsfor sale at Stamford merchants. After Bob selects four of the sixproducts in response to the question, the controller consults a databaseto determine Bob's success in answering the question. For example, thecontroller may determine that Bob selected only three of the fourcorrect items, and may output a screen reading “Not bad. You got 3 outof 4 right.”

Further, according to this example, the controller outputs a screen toeducate Bob about the correct answer, so that Bob learns about the localmerchants' products and prices. For example, the controller may output ascreen reading, “Here is the 1 you missed.” Simultaneously, thecontroller may also highlight or otherwise indicate the correspondingitem, in this case the last remaining item from a Stamford-area merchantthat has a retail price of more than $4.00. Additionally, the controllermay output a screen that reveals the actual retail prices charged by theStamford-area merchants for all of the six items displayed in the firstround of the game. For example, a screen may be provided to Bob that (1)reads “By the way, in the Stamford-area the actual retail prices of thefirst six items are . . . ”; and (2) reveals the actual retail pricesfor the corresponding items. Thus, the game would educate Bob about theactual retail prices associated with the items used as game elements.

After this first round of the game is completed, the controller adjustsBob's “Price Tag,” which will ultimately be used to determine the priceat which Bob may purchase at least one product from a participatingStamford-area merchant. More specifically, based on Bob's degree ofaccuracy/correctness in answering the question, the Price Tag would beadjusted downward. For example, Bob's original Price Tag of $4.44 may bedecreased to $3.92 based on Bob's selecting three of four correctanswers in the first round of the game. The adjusted price may be outputto Bob along with a message that reads, “That's a good start. You're onyour way to some great prizes.”

Similarly, three more rounds ensue, asking Bob price-oriented questionsabout products available at participating Stamford-area merchants. Aftereach round, based on Bob's degree of accuracy, the Price Tag is adjustedfurther downward.

After the last (fourth) round, the final Price Tag amount is calculatedand displayed to Bob at his computer. The controller consults a databaseto determine how many prizes Bob could select. In this example, a prizewould be the ability to purchase one or more of the previously displayedproducts at the amount indicated by the final Price Tag. Once it isdetermined how many products Bob may purchase at the final Price Tagvalue, Bob is given the ability to select products from the twenty-fourpreviously displayed products.

However, first-time players such as Bob may be issued a credit thatenables them to redeem products entirely for free. In such cases,first-time players such as Bob may be required to (1) select theproducts they wish to redeem at the corresponding local merchants, and(2) provide identification data, such as full name, address, and creditcard number. On the other hand, returning players may be required onlyto select the products they wish to purchase for the final Price Tagamount, which may be charged to their credit card account, for example.Vouchers may be downloaded and printed that indicate entitlement to thecorresponding goods and/or services offered at participating merchants.

B. Terms and Example Meanings

Throughout this disclosure and unless otherwise indicated, the followingterms may include and/or encompass example meanings described herein. Ofcourse, other meanings encompassed by such terms may be understood bythose of ordinary skill in the art in light of the disclosure.

Central computer, controller, central controller, server: An electronicdevice (e.g., a computer) that preferably is configured to communicatewith one or more other devices, such as a user device and/or a merchantdevice. In one example, a central controller may be configured tocommunicate with one or more merchant devices so that promotion data canbe uploaded, accessed, updated, and the like. In another example, acentral controller may be configured to distribute promotionalinformation about merchants (e.g., product information) and/or todistribute prizes (e.g., sponsored by local retailers). In anotherexample, a central controller may be configured to write to and readfrom local and/or remote databases that store data concerning retailers,customers, games, and the like. In another example, a central controllermay be configured to host one or more websites (e.g., a game-themedwebsite that allows remote users to play games and potentially winretail entitlements).

Player, user, customer, prospective customer: A person who communicateswith a controller using a game device or other type of user device. Forexample, a user may participate in one or more online games thatpotentially award retail entitlements.

Game element: A feature or aspect of a game. Game elements may include,but are not limited to, (a) visual images of products for sale at retailmerchants, (b) visual images of products that may be awarded through anonline game, (c) prices of products for sale at retail merchants, (d)visual images of geographic areas or landmarks therein, (e) geographiclocation information, and (f) information associated with a retailer.

Geographic location, geographic position, position data, location data:A data element that includes an indication of a location of a particularparty or entity (e.g., a consumer, a retailer). Geographic location datamay indicate, for example, a user's residence, a user's contactinformation, a merchant's place of business, and/or a user's currentlocation. Such information may include, but is not limited to, a streetaddress and/or ZIP code, global positioning system (GPS) coordinates,Internet Protocol address, and the like. In one embodiment, geographiclocation data may comprise or be included in a signal transmitted by auser (e.g., to a central computer). In one example, such a signal mayindicate a customer's selection of a geographic area and/or a version oredition of an online game (e.g., the version is associated with at leastone particular geographic area).

Geographic region: A geographic area that may be useful in determiningthe relative positions of system participants (e.g., customers,retailers). Preferably, a geographic region includes more than onegeographic location. Retailers and/or the operators of a central servermay define geographic region data. In one example, geographic regiondata may be stored in a database (e.g., accessible by a centralcontroller).

Geographic data: Data that includes any type of information related tolocation, such as geographic region data and/or location data.

Local customer, local prospective customer, prospective local customer:A user who is associated with a geographic region associated with aparticular retailer.

Non-local customer, non-local prospective customer, prospectivenon-local customer: A consumer who is not associated with a geographicregion associated with a particular retailer.

Retailer, retail merchant, participating retailer, merchant,participating merchant: A seller of goods and/or services. Preferably, amerchant registers with the operator of a central controller to provideretail entitlements to prospective customers (e.g., through a website orother distribution means).

Prize, award: In some embodiments a prize or award refers to a good,service or other benefit (e.g., an offer, an entitlement) indicated orsponsored by a merchant. In one example, an award may be supplied by amerchant to a central controller (e.g., prize server, game server) fordistribution to players of a game. In some embodiments, a prize or awardmay refer to the granting of access to or the determining that a playeris eligible to receive, purchase or otherwise obtain an entitlement. Forexample, a player of a game may be awarded with the ability to selectfrom one or more presented offers. Alternatively, or in addition, aprize may refer to a good, service or other benefit (e.g., an offer, anentitlement) provided or distributed to a user. For example, an awardmay include a voucher or other representation of a user's entitlement toa product, or, in some embodiments, may refer to the product itself. Inone example, a prize is provided to a player participating in an onlinegame. In another example, game contestants may select as prizes (e.g.,from an inventory of available prizes or “prize showcase”) one or morebenefits and “claim” or “accept” them (e.g., by printing out a “prizeclaim ticket”) after successfully completing a game session (or portionthereof). In some embodiments, a particular merchant may provide morethan one offer to a system (e.g., a first offer is a meatball sandwichand a second offer is a dessert).

Retail entitlement, entitlement: In some embodiments, an entitlementincludes the right to receive a particular product or service from aretailer (e.g., by presenting a certificate to the retailer). In otherembodiments, an entitlement may include the right to purchase a productor receive a service from a retailer at a discounted price. In someembodiments, retail entitlements are awarded as prizes through onlinegames (e.g., based on a player's play of a game). Some types ofentitlements may be represented by vouchers and/or prize codes. In someembodiments, an entitlement may include a product guarantee, which is apromise—(e.g., by a merchant) to provide a product or service when oneor more conditions are satisfied. In some embodiments, an entitlementmay include or be associated with an offer for a product or service. Forexample, a retail entitlement may correspond to an offer supplied to acentral controller by a merchant (e.g., an offer for a product).

Price tag: In accordance with some embodiments, a price tag includes agraphical representation of a price that may decrease based on theperformance of a player in a game (e.g., based on the degree to which aplayer has answered at least one game question correctly). In oneexample that features a pricing-themed game, a price tag price decreasesbased on the number of price-oriented questions the player has answeredcorrectly. In some embodiments, the value or price associated with aprice tag (e.g., a final or ultimate price tag) may be used as the basisfor determining the price of one or more retail entitlements.

Prize meter, price meter: In accordance with some embodiments, a prizemeter includes a graphical representation of an amount or value that mayincrease based on the performance of a player in a game (e.g., based onthe degree to which a player has answered at least one game questioncorrectly) and/or based on various other factors. In one example, apricing-themed game, the amount indicated by a prize meter increasesbased on the number of price-oriented questions the player has answeredcorrectly. In some embodiments, the value or amount associated with aprize meter (e.g., a final or ultimate prize meter) may be used as thebasis for determining the price of one or more retail entitlements. Insome embodiments, the prize meter amount is a credit amount that may beapplied toward the purchase of an entitlement.

Gap amount: In some embodiments, a gap amount describes a differencebetween a value, price, or amount (e.g., one that is associated with aplayer's performance in a game) and a target price that is associatedwith one or more entitlements. In one example, the gap amount is thedifference between (a) an amount (e.g., a credit amount indicated by aprize meter) earned by or awarded to a user (e.g., by playing a game),and (b) a target price that is based on an average of the retail pricesof products in a given group (e.g., a showcase of products). In someembodiments, in order to receive one or more retail entitlements, aplayer must pay the central controller an amount that is based on thegap amount.

Player device, user device, customer device: An electronic device (e.g.,a computer, Personal Digital Assistant, cell phone, kiosk, etc.)configured to be in communication with a central controller (e.g., overa communications network). In some embodiments, a user device maycomprise a game device configured or configurable to provide for play ofa game by the user. In some embodiments, a game device may comprise acomputer in communication over the Internet with a game server toprovide for play of an online game.

Product: As used in this disclosure, a product may be used to refer toany good, item, merchandise or service offered by or available through aretailer. In some embodiments, products (or entitlements to products)are offered as prizes by a central controller. In some embodiments,purchasing a product may include purchasing an entitlement to thatproduct.

Voucher, prize code: Preferably, a voucher or a prize code is arepresentation or indication of a retail entitlement. In one example, avoucher is an evidentiary manifestation of a retail entitlement and ismade available to a customer who participates in an online game.Vouchers or prize codes may be provided to customers in printed form(e.g., through the mail) and/or electronically (e.g., downloaded to apersonal computer or a Personal Digital Assistant). In some embodiments,a customer presents a voucher or prize code to a retail merchant. Insome embodiments, a merchant may confirm the validity of a voucher orprize code received from a customer and might also provide the customerwith a good or service.

C. System

An example embodiment of the system 100 of the present invention isdepicted in FIG. 1. The present invention can be configured to work as asystem 100 in a network environment including a controller 102 (e.g., acomputer-based server) that is in communication, via a communicationsnetwork, with one or more user devices 104 (e.g., personal computer)and/or merchant devices 106 (e.g., POS terminals, personal computer,validator device). The controller 102 may communicate with the devicesdirectly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium such as theInternet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or via any appropriatecommunications means or combination of communications means. Each of thedevices 104, 106 may comprise computers, such as those based on theIntel® Pentium® processor, that are adapted to communicate with thecontroller 102. Any number and type of devices 104, 106 may be incommunication with the controller 102.

Communication between the devices 104, 106 and the controller 102, andamong the devices 104, 106, may be direct or indirect, such as over theInternet through a website maintained by computer on a remote server orover an online data network including commercial online serviceproviders, bulletin board systems and the like. In yet otherembodiments, the devices 104, 106 may communicate with one anotherand/or the controller 102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and thelike.

Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may comprise thenetwork or be otherwise part of the system 100 include: a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telephoneline, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line, anda satellite communications link. Possible communications protocols thatmay be part of the system include: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP,Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP. Communication may be encrypted to ensure privacyand prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.

Those skilled in the art will understand that devices in communicationwith each other need not be continually transmitting to each other. Onthe contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other asnecessary, and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of thetime. For example, a device in communication with another device via theInternet may not transmit data to the other device for weeks at a time.

In another example, a user may download game data from the controller102 into a PDA, and may play a game several weeks later. The PDA mightbe programmed, for example, to reveal prize codes only when the user hasanswered a threshold number of questions correctly.

As described in further detail herein, the controller 102 (e.g., a gameserver, offer server) is operable to manage and/or optimize thedistribution and display of game, offer, product, and/or merchantinformation. For example, the controller 102 may manage thecommunication of merchant-related information to potential customers(e.g., users playing one or more online games). In various embodiments,the controller 102 (or, in an alternative embodiment, a peer-to-peernetwork) can control, for example, whether an entitlement will beprovided at a given time, whether a user should be allowed to play agame, and/or determine what types of merchants and/or offers should bepresented to a user (e.g., in a game, in a showcase of prizes). In oneor more embodiments, the controller 102 may manage what type of contentshould be included in a game and/or determine what version of a game toprovide to a player.

In some embodiments, the controller 102 may function as a “web server”that generates webpages (documents on the World Wide Web that typicallyinclude an HTML file and associated graphics and script files) that maybe accessed via the World Wide Web and allows communication with thecontroller 102 in a manner known in the art. In some embodiments, thecontroller 102 may function as a server for providing online game play(e.g., via the Internet, via an intranet).

Any or all of the devices 102, 104, 106 may be, e.g., conventionalpersonal computers, portable types of computers, such as a laptopcomputer, a palm-top computer, a hand-held computer, or a PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA), or they may be specialized devices built forspecific purposes such as publicly-available terminals or kiosks.

In some embodiments, a controller 102 may not be necessary and/or maynot be preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or moreembodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone user device 104. In suchembodiments, any functions described as performed by the controller 102or data described as stored on the controller 102 may instead beperformed by or stored on one or more gaming devices 104, 106.Similarly, in some embodiments the user device 104 and/or the merchantdevice 106 may not be necessary. For example, various embodiments aredirected to functions that may be performed entirely by the controller102. Other embodiments may involve only the controller 102 and amerchant device 106 (e.g., a merchant requesting validation of anentitlement), or may involve only the user device 104 and the controller102 (e.g., to provide game play for a player, to distribute entitlementsto a user).

In operation, the controller 102 and the devices 104, 106 may exchangeinformation about the use of the devices by individual users and/ormerchants, messages, merchant information, game content, informationabout game conditions, and the like. In embodiments with a third-partyserver, the controller 102 and/or the user device 104 may exchangeinformation about the use of the user device 104 by individual players,data about the players, messages, prize information, and the like, viathe third-party server. The device 104 may, for example, provideinformation related to game conditions to the controller 102 (and/or athird-party server). The user device 104 (e.g., a game device) mayfurther provide game performance and player data to the controller 102(and/or a third-party server). The controller 102 (and/or a third-partyserver) may provide information about entitlement selections and/orhistorical information about the player, for example, to other devices.

It is worthwhile to note that the system 100 (and other systemsdescribed herein) may be arranged into a variety of configurations, withfunctionality residing in various locations. Various types ofinformation may be transmitted between different devices. For example,the controller 102 may control most aspects of initiating a game sessionand/or providing one or more entitlements to a player. A signal may bereceived, for example, by a user device 104, which then provides play ofa game and/or initiates an entitlement selection process. In oneexample, a player may download game software (e.g., from a web server)and install the software on his computer. When the game softwareexecutes, the software may request and/or receive information aboutprizes from the controller 102. In this way, the potential pool ofprizes and other game content may be updated as desired when the game isplayed (e.g., for each game, from time to time), even if some or all ofthe basic program instructions for the game do not change. For instance,the player may be able to play for different prizes each time he plays.

In some embodiments, the controller 102 may reside in a user device 104.For example, a user device 104 (e.g., a kiosk) may control most aspectsof playing a game and/or distributing promotional information. A userdevice 104 may not even have a network connection.

In some embodiments, merchant information (e.g., an offer, anentitlement sponsored by a merchant) may be determined by the controller102, but a user device 104 may control when to provide game play. Forexample, a user device 104 may receive an indication of a product tooffer the player from the controller 102, and the user device 104 thenprovides game play, monitors play and game parameters during the gamesession, and provides merchant-related information to the player (e.g.,at the end of the game so the player can select a prize).

Note that a wide variety of other configurations are possible, some ofwhich are discussed herein. It should be understood that methods of theinvention may be implemented by one or more devices 104, 106, one ormore controllers 102, other devices, and/or any combination thereof.

1. Controller

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment 200 of the controller 102 of FIG. 1.The controller 200 may be implemented as a system controller, adedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmed general purposecomputer such as an Intel-based PC, a server computer or any otherequivalent electronic, mechanical or electromechanical device suited forproviding any of various functionality described herein.

The controller 200 comprises a processor 205, such as one or more Intel®Pentium® processors. The processor 205 is in communication with acommunication port 270 through which the processor 205 is able tocommunicate with one or more other devices.

The processor is in communication with at least one input device 260 andat least one output device 265. Various types of input devices such askeyboards, microphones, touch screens, and pointer devices (e.g., amouse), are known to those of skill in the art. Similarly, various typesof output devices such as display devices (e.g., LCD panel displays),speakers, printers, and radio transmitters are known to those of skillin the art.

The processor 205 is also in communication with a data storage device210. The data storage device 210 comprises an appropriate combination ofmagnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, forexample, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compactdisc and/or a hard disk. The processor 205 and the storage device 210may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within a single computeror other computing device; or (ii) connected to each other by a remotecommunication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone line orradio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the controller maycomprise one or more computers that are connected to a remote servercomputer for maintaining databases.

The data storage device 210 stores a program 215 for controlling theprocessor 205. The processor 205 performs instructions of the program215, and thereby operates in accordance with the present invention, andparticularly in accordance with the methods described in detail herein.The program 215 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/orencrypted format. The program 215 furthermore includes program elementsthat may be necessary, such as an operating system, a databasemanagement system and “device drivers” for allowing the processor 205 tointerface with computer peripheral devices. Appropriate program elementsare known to those skilled in the art, and need not be described indetail herein.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to the processor of a userdevice, merchant device or controller for execution. Such a medium maytake many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media,volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, forexample, optical or magnetic disks, such as memory. Volatile mediainclude dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutesthe main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wireand fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupledto the processor. Transmission media may carry acoustic or light waves,such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR)data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include,for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape,any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium,punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns ofholes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip orcartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other mediumfrom which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying oneor more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor forexecution. For example, the instructions may initially be borne on amagnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line using a modem. A modem local to a gaming device (or,e.g., a server) can receive the data on the telephone line and use aninfrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. Aninfrared detector can receive the data carried in the infrared signaland place the data on a system bus for the processor. The system buscarries the data to main memory, from which the processor retrieves andexecutes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory mayoptionally be stored in memory either before or after execution by theprocessor. In addition, instructions may be received via a communicationport as electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, which areexemplary forms of carrier waves that carry data streams representingvarious types of information. Thus, the user device or controller mayobtain instructions in the form of a carrier wave.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instructions ofthe program 215 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as from a ROM to a RAM. Execution ofsequences of the instructions in program 215 causes processor 205 toperform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with,software instructions for implementation of the processes of the presentinvention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited toany specific combination of hardware and software.

The storage device 210 also stores (i) a player database 220, (ii) amerchant database 225, (iii) a prize database 230, (iv) an issued prizedatabase 235, and (v) a presentation rules database 240. The databasesare described in detail below and depicted with exemplary entries in theaccompanying figures. Note that, although these databases are describedas being stored in the controller 102, in other embodiments of thepresent invention some or all of these databases may be partially orwholly stored in another device, such as one or more of the userdevices, merchant devices, or a combination thereof.

Various functionality of the controller described herein mayalternatively be performed by one or more of the user devices 104 and/orthe merchant devices 106.

2. User Device/Merchant Device

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment 300 of the user device 104 and/or themerchant device 106 of FIG. 1. The device 300 may be implemented as asystem controller, a dedicated hardware circuit, an appropriatelyprogrammed general purpose computer such as an Intel®-based personalcomputer, a server computer or any other equivalent electronic,mechanical or electromechanical device suited for providing any ofvarious functionality described herein.

The device 300 comprises a processor 305, such as one or more Intel®Pentium® processors. The processor 305 is in communication with acommunication port 370 through which the processor 305 is able tocommunicate with one or more other devices. The processor 305 is also incommunication with at least one input device 360 and at least one outputdevice 365. Input devices may include keyboards and pointer devices, forexample, and output devices may include, for example, display devicesand speakers. Display devices may comprise, for example, one or moredisplay screens or areas for outputting information related to game playon the gaming device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquidcrystal display (LCD) screen, or light emitting diode (LED) screen.Various other types of input devices and output devices are describedherein, and still others will be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art in light of the present disclosure.

The processor 305 is also in communication with a data storage device310. The data storage device 310 comprises an appropriate combination ofmagnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, forexample, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compactdisc and/or a hard disk. As with the example controller 200 describedherein, the processor 305 and the storage device 310 may each be, forexample: (i) located entirely within a single computer or othercomputing device; or (ii) connected to each other by a remotecommunication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone line orradio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the device 300 maycomprise one or more computers that are connected to a remote servercomputer for maintaining databases.

The data storage device 310 stores a program 315 for controlling theprocessor 305. The processor 305 performs instructions of the program315, and thereby operates in accordance with the present invention, andparticularly in accordance with the methods described in detail herein.The program 315 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/orencrypted format. The program 315 furthermore includes program elementsthat may be necessary, such as an operating system, a databasemanagement system and “device drivers” for allowing the processor 305 tointerface with computer peripheral devices. Appropriate program elementsare known to those skilled in the art, and need not be described indetail herein.

In some embodiments, the device 300 may comprise a game device operableto allow a user to play one or more games. In one example, the gamedevice may include one or more display screens, a keyboard or keypad,and a pointer device for use in playing a game. In another example, auser device 300 may receive game data from another device (e.g., acontroller, a PDA) and present a game to the user based on the gamedata. In another example, the user device 300 may store game data andprovide play of a game (e.g., in response to a request by a user, inresponse to a signal from a controller).

In some embodiments, the device 300 may comprise one or more validatordevices. For example, a merchant may use a merchant device 300 to inputa code (e.g., using a keypad, using a bar code scanner) provided by auser attempting to redeem a prize certificate. The merchant device 300may then transmit a request to validate the code to a controller orthird-party server.

3. Databases

Although databases 220, 225, 230, 235, 240 are depicted as residing atthe controller 200 in the example embodiment of FIG. 2, it will beunderstood that one or more of these databases could just as easily beimplemented on one or more other devices. Further, the individualdatabase files could be stored on any number of different devices (e.g.,located on different storage devices in different geographic locations,such as on a user device 104). For example, a user device and/or amerchant device may store a redundant copy of a controller's databasesto protect against data loss or for any number of other reasons.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the schematicillustrations and accompanying descriptions of the sample databasespresented herein are exemplary arrangements for stored representationsof information. Other database arrangements may be used which wouldstill be in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.Any number of arrangements may be employed besides those suggested bythe accompany figures. For example, even though a particular number ofseparate databases are illustrated, various embodiments of the inventioncould be practiced effectively using any number of functionallyequivalent databases. In other words, the present invention could beimplemented using any number of different database files or datastructures, as opposed to the number depicted. Similarly, theillustrated entries of the databases represent exemplary informationonly; those skilled in the art will understand that the number andcontent of the entries can be different from those illustrated herein.Further, despite the depiction of the databases as tables, anobject-based model could be used to store and manipulate the data typesof the present invention and likewise, object methods or behaviors canbe used to implement the processes of the present invention. Someexamples of these processes are described in detail in this disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a tabular representation 400 of an example of a playerdatabase 220 according to some embodiments of the present invention.This particular tabular representation of a player database includessample records or entries which each include information regarding aparticular player. In some embodiments of the invention, a playerdatabase is used to track information about players including identity,contact information, preferences, game performance history, currentactivity, and demographics. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe player database 220 may include any number of entries or additionalfields.

The tabular representation 400 also defines fields for each record orentry. The fields include: (i) a player identifier 402 that may store arepresentation uniquely identifying the player; (ii) a name 404 that maystore a representation of the player's name; (iii) a financial accountidentifier 406 that may store information about an account associatedwith a user (e.g., a credit card account number); (iv) an address 408that may store information about one or more addresses of a player(e.g., a street address, a telephone number, an IP address); (v) anemail address 410 that is associated with the player; (vi) demographicinformation 412 that may include any of various types of informationabout a player such as a number of children, interests and maritalstatus; and (vii) a geographic area preference 414 that may include anindication of one or more geographic areas to which the player wouldprefer any prizes or merchants were relevant (e.g., an indication of theplayer's preferred local edition of an online game).

As discussed herein, various types of contact or address information maybe received and stored about a player (e.g., when a player registerswith a website), including a street address, an e-mail address, and/or atelephone number. A controller 102 may utilize information in the playerdatabase 220 when determining, for example, what type of merchant,product, and/or prize information to present to a player.

FIG. 5 depicts a tabular representation 500 of an example of a merchantdatabase 225 according to some embodiments of the present invention.This particular tabular representation of a merchant database includessample records or entries which each include information regarding aparticular merchant. In some embodiments of the invention, a merchantdatabase is used to track information about merchants includingidentity, contact information, and geographic information. Those skilledin the art will recognize that the merchant database 225 may include anynumber of entries or additional fields.

The tabular representation 500 also defines fields for each record orentry. The fields include: (i) a merchant identifier 502 that may storea representation uniquely identifying the merchant; (ii) a name 504 thatmay store a representation of the merchant's name (e.g., a name of aretail establishment, a name under which a merchant conducts business);(iii) an address 506 that may store information about one or moreaddresses of a merchant (e.g., a street address, a telephone number, anIP address); (iv) geographic information 508 that includes an indicationof one or more geographic regions and/or locations; (v) a category 510that includes an indication of at least one category of products offeredby the merchant (e.g., a standard industry code (SIC)); and (vi) adescription 512 that includes a description of the merchant and/or themerchant's offerings.

As discussed herein, various types of information may be received andstored about a merchant (e.g., when a merchant registers with awebsite), including a street address, business hours, an e-mail address,driving directions, and/or a telephone number.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the controller102 might utilize information in the merchant database 225 whendetermining, for example, what type of merchant, product, and/or prizeinformation to present to a player. In some embodiments, geographicinformation 508 may be useful in determining whether to use a particularmerchant, or a prize associated with a merchant, in a game. For example,if a player indicates he would like to play the “Greenwich, Conn.”edition of a game, the controller 102 may refer to merchant database 225to identify one or more merchants based on their geographic information.Geographic information 508 may indicate an actual place of business of amerchant and/or may indicate one or more regions/locations/game editionsin which the merchant would like to be promoted (or in which thecontroller 102 would like to promote that merchant). For instance, aplayer playing a “Stamford, Conn.” edition of a game might be presentedwith information about a merchant in White Plains, N.Y., based on anindication in the merchant database 225 that the merchant wanted to bepromoted to players who are from Stamford (or at least who appear to bewilling to redeem prizes in Stamford).

FIG. 6 is a tabular representation 600 of the prize database 230. Thetabular representation 600 includes a number of example records orentries, each defining a prize (e.g., offer, entitlement, product) thatmay be or has been provided. In some embodiments of the invention, aprize database may be used to manage and track information about prizesincluding a prize category, an associated sponsoring merchant, and aprize quantity. Those skilled in the art will understand that the prizedatabase 230 may include any number of entries.

The tabular representation 600 also defines fields for each record orentry. The fields specify: (i) a prize identifier 602, which uniquelyidentifies a particular prize; (ii) a merchant identifier 604, whichuniquely identifies a particular merchant sponsoring or otherwiseassociated with the particular prize; (iii) a description 606 of theparticular prize; (iv) a prize category 608 that may indicate one ormore categories corresponding to the prize (e.g., “dinner entrée,” “drycleaning”); (v) a number of units available 610, which includes anindication of how many instances of the corresponding prize remainavailable (e.g., for selection by a user as a prize); and (vi)conditions 612, which includes an indication of one or more terms orconditions (if any) that may be associated with the prize (e.g., asestablished by the merchant and/or controller).

Of course, the prize database 230 may include any additional oralternative information about prizes, as deemed practicable for aparticular application. For example, information such as a number oftimes a prize has been presented, selected, rejected, and/or redeemedmay be included. In another example, the prize database 230 may store anindication of the retail value of a prize and/or an indication of anamount paid to a merchant for the prize.

It will be understood that the merchant identifier 604 may be used, insome embodiments, to look up or otherwise determine additionalmerchant-related information (as may be represented in the merchantdatabase 225).

FIG. 7 is a tabular representation 700 of the issued prizes database235. The tabular representation of the issued prizes database 235includes a number of example records or entries, each defining a prizethat has been issued to a user (e.g., awarded to and/or selected by aplayer). In some embodiments, information in the issued prizes database235 may be useful in managing and tracking the redemption of issuedprizes. Those skilled in the art will understand that the issued prizesdatabase 235 may include any number of entries.

The tabular representation 700 also defines fields for each record orentry. The fields specify: (i) an issued prize identifier 702, whichuniquely identifies a prize (e.g., offer, entitlement) that has beenissued; (ii) a player identifier 704 that identifies a player to whomthe prize was issued; (iii) a date issued 706 that indicates a timeand/or date when the corresponding prize was issued; (iv) an expirationdate 708 that indicates a time and/or date when the prize (e.g., anissued entitlement) will expire; and (v) a redemption date 710 thatindicates a time and/or date the prize was redeemed (e.g., by presentinga voucher at a corresponding merchant).

FIG. 8 is a tabular representation 800 of the presentation rulesdatabase 240. The tabular representation of the presentation rulesdatabase includes a number of example records or entries, each definingan exemplary rule. In some embodiments, a rule may be used indetermining whether to present information about a particular merchant,and what information to present. In some embodiments, a rule may be usedin determining whether to provide one or more entitlements, offers, orother type of prizes, and might be used alternatively or in addition indetermining game content to use in providing a game for a player. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the presentation rules database240 may include any number of entries.

The tabular representation 800 also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields specify: (i) a rule identifier 802, whichuniquely identifies a particular rule; (ii) a description 804, whichincludes a description of the corresponding rule; and (iii) a subject806, which includes an indication of one or more prizes and/or merchantsthat may be specifically subject to the rule.

In one embodiment, the controller 102 may operate in accordance with oneor more databases of rules. Various embodiments of the present inventionmay be implemented by merely defining and selecting appropriate rules togovern the functionality of the controller, for example, in determiningwhen to present a prize, what prizes to make available to a player,and/or what types of merchant-related content to include in a game. Insome embodiments, prizes to be made available to a user may bedetermined in light of various types of stored presentation rules.Accordingly, the controller 102 may utilize information stored inpresentation rules database 240 in some embodiments for determining whattype of merchant-related information (e.g., prizes, merchantadvertising) to present to a user.

D. Processes

The exemplary system discussed above, including the described hardwarecomponents, software components, and the databases, are useful toperform various methods of the invention. However, it should beunderstood that not all of the above-described components and databasesare necessary to perform any of the methods of the present invention. Infact, in some embodiments, none of the above-described system isrequired to practice the methods of the present invention. The systemdescribed above is merely an example of a system that would be useful inpracticing some methods of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, a flow chart 900 is depicted that represents someembodiments of the present invention. Although the method 900 isdiscussed as being performed by a controller, it will be understood inlight of the present disclosure that various aspects of the exemplarymethod may be performed by a controller, a game server, a user device, amerchant device, or any combination of the devices and/or computersdescribed herein. For example, in some embodiments, some or all of themethod steps may be executed by one or more servers physically locatedwithin a particular geographic region.

It must be understood that the particular arrangement of elements in theflow chart 900 of FIG. 9 (as well as the number and order of examplesteps of other various methods discussed herein) is not meant to imply afixed order, sequence, quantity, and/or timing to the steps. Embodimentsof the present invention can be practiced in any order, sequence, and/ortiming that is practicable. Likewise, the labels used to reference theindividual steps of the methods are not meant to imply a fixed order,sequence, quantity, and/or timing to the steps.

In general terms and still referring to FIG. 9, method steps of someembodiments of the present invention may be summarized as follows. Instep 902, information associated with at least one merchant isdetermined. In step 904, information about a user is determined. In step906, play of a game by the user is enabled. In step 908, merchantinformation is presented to the user. In step 910, an entitlement isprovided to the user. In step 912, a request to validate an entitlementis received. In the discussion that follows, each of these exemplarysteps will be discussed in greater detail.

Note that not all of these steps are required to perform the methods ofthe present invention and that additional and/or alternative steps arealso discussed below. For example, some processes of the presentinvention may not require any functionality related to validation,determining information about a user, or both. Also note that the abovegeneral steps represent features of only some of the embodiments of thepresent invention. In some embodiments these exemplary steps may beperformed in a different order. More, fewer, and/or alternative stepsmay be used as well. Such steps may be combined and/or subdivided in anynumber of different ways so that methods of the present inventioninclude more or fewer actual steps. For example, in some embodimentsadditional steps may be added to update and maintain the databasesdescribed above. As indicated, however, it is not necessary to use theabove-described databases in all embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments, a described step may be performed by or with respect to anynumber of devices or entities. For example, a step may be subdividedinto sub-steps, some of which are performed by one device, and some ofwhich are performed by or otherwise involve a different device. In otherwords, the methods of the present invention may contain any number ofsteps performed by any number of entities that are practicable toimplement the various different inventive processes described herein.

1. Information Associated with One or More Merchants is Determined

In step 902, information associated with one or more merchants isdetermined. For example, such information may be received from amerchant, a third party, or retrieved from one or more databases (e.g.,merchant database 225). In some embodiments, a controller may receive orotherwise determine information such as a merchant's name and type ofbusiness. Merchant-related information might also include informationabout a location of a merchant, such as place(s) of business (e.g.,town, street address), contact information (e.g., mailing address,telephone number, fax number), driving directions, business hours,and/or geographic region. Alternatively, or in addition, informationassociated with a merchant may include information about products orservices available through the merchant and/or offers or promotions bythe merchant (e.g., a discount on a large pizza). In some embodiments,information associated with a merchant is stored in a database (e.g.,merchant database 225). For example, a new database record may becreated for a merchant, or an existing record for a particular merchantmight be updated.

In some embodiments, information associated with a merchant may includeinformation about one or more product guarantees, offers, retailentitlements, prizes or other types of benefits. Such benefits may besponsored by the merchant and/or provided by the merchant to thecontroller, for example, and may be made available to users (e.g., as aprize in a game), as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, a game system receives at least one offer orentitlement from each of at least two merchants.

Optionally, the controller may provide a payment to the merchant inexchange for the benefit. Thus, the controller may or may not pay amerchant for a prize (e.g., an entitlement).

In some embodiments, a merchant may pay a fee to post a prize to thesystem. For example, a merchant may be charged a fee for having asponsored prize included (or potentially included) in a prize showcase,for having a sponsored prize selected by a user, and/or for havinginformation related to the merchant (e.g., business location, productofferings, merchandise pricing) included (or potentially included) inthe presentation of a game (e.g., as an advertisement, as part of a gamequestion).

As discussed herein, one or more conditions may be associated with anentitlement, offer, or other type of prize. Any terms and conditionsrelated to an entitlement may be specified by a merchant and/or by acontroller. In some embodiments, such terms may be stored in the prizedatabase 230 and/or the presentation rules database 240. Terms mayinclude, without limitation, (i) a number of instances of a particularoffer or entitlement that may be distributed, or a quantity or amount ofgoods and/or services associated with a particular offer (e.g., if anoffer is a “medium pizza,” a merchant may agree to sponsor two hundredmedium pizzas to a game show system); (ii) a description or details ofan entitlement (e.g., “a 12-inch cheese pizza with one topping”); (iii)redemption terms and conditions or other restrictions associated with anentitlement (e.g., “Offer valid from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. only”); (iv) anyfees associated with the provision of a prize to the inventory of thesystem (e.g., a game show system pays $0.75 to a merchant for each unitor instance of a “medium pizza” offer provided by the merchant as aprize); (v) a time period during which an offer or entitlement may bepresented to system users (e.g., during the month of June only); (vi) avelocity or frequency with which an offer may be presented to users(e.g., present the offer as frequently as possible); and/or (vii) anyother terms or information associated with a prize. In some embodiments,an offer, for example, may be considered “received” by a centralcontroller once any offer terms have been mutually agreed upon by amerchant and the central controller (e.g., a game show provider) oragent thereof.

In one example, a condition for redemption may be that a user mustpresent to the merchant a specially designed certificate issued to theuser by the controller (e.g., a certificate bearing the name of the userand the name of a product to be provided). Details of an exemplaryredemption process are discussed further herein. In another example, amerchant may be able to indicate information about an offer or retailentitlement via a website by entering data about terms and conditionsgoverning the redemption of any retail entitlements available forparticular goods or services (e.g., a given entitlement may only beredeemable between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., Monday throughFriday).

In various embodiments, a controller may receive information about anentitlement (e.g., an offer) from a merchant by employing one or more ofa variety of methods. In some embodiments, merchants may provide variouskinds of information (e.g., data about goods and services) byregistering it with a controller (e.g., via a website).

In one example, according to at least one embodiment, retail merchantsfrom various geographic areas may provide information by (1) using apersonal computer to log on to a website hosted by the controller; (2)providing data about the merchant such as name, store locations,financial account identifiers, etc. (e.g., by entering the data intocorresponding data entry fields); and (3) providing data regarding goodsor services offered by the merchant (e.g., product names, prices,product descriptions, product category). In some embodiments, merchantsmay be allowed to select (e.g., from a menu of options) or otherwiseindicate one or more geographical areas they would like to acquirecustomers from, and/or geographical editions of a game they would liketo be included in. Further, retail merchants may transmit filescontaining digital images representative of products offered by themerchant.

In other exemplary embodiments, a merchant may communicate suchinformation to a game show system. For example, a merchant and a gameshow system (or representative thereof) may communicate (e.g., in personor via a telephone conversation) so as to determine the detailsassociated with an anticipated provision by the merchant of an offer. Inanother example, a merchant may submit desired offer terms by (i)sending a facsimile, (ii) sending electronic or postal mail, (iii)completing a form on a website (e.g., provided by a game show system),and/or (iv) any other practicable means, electronic or otherwise, ofcommunicating such information.

A controller may choose to reject any submitted offer terms, and/or maycollaborate with a merchant to revise such offer terms until they areconsidered mutually satisfactory. In further embodiments, merchants mayonly submit offer terms subject to constraints already communicated by agame system (e.g., a game show system provides facsimile forms by whicha merchant may configure or select from a finite number of offervariables).

In one example of receiving information about a product guarantee,Susan's Diner may indicate to the controller a promise to provide a freeappetizer to the bearer of an appropriate certificate. In return for theguarantee, Susan's Diner may receive a payment of $0.50 from thecontroller. In aggregate for a week, Susan's Diner may make twenty-fivesuch product guarantees. Therefore, for the week, Susan's Diner mayreceive a total payment of $12.50, and may ultimately give awaytwenty-five appetizers to users bearing appropriate certificates.

Other types of information that may be associated with a merchant anddetermined by a controller will be readily apparent to those havingskill in the art in light of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more merchants mayparticipate in an online game system by submitting at least one offereach (e.g., for products or services) to a controller (e.g., a gameserver). One or more players of the game may then be able to win, claimand/or redeem at least one of the offers after playing one or more gamesprovided by the game, as discussed further herein.

In some embodiments, a system controller may receive offers from aplurality of merchants. In some embodiments, merchants provide orsponsor only one offer or other prize each. In other embodiments, eachmerchant may provide a plurality of prizes (e.g., to a game system). Forexample, Super-Clean Car Wash may provide several units each of an“express car wash” offer, “ultimate car wash” offer and “interiordetailing service” offer. A wider variety of prizes available to thegame system may enable the system to serve the tastes of differentconsumers, which may in turn have a positive effect on the rate at whichusers accept prizes (and potentially patronize sponsoring retailers).

Any or all of the data associated with one or more merchants could beincorporated into one or more games as game elements. For example, thecontroller may use such data to formulate and output price-orientedquestions regarding a merchant's products. Alternatively oradditionally, the controller may use such received data to allocate gameprizes to users (e.g., based on an indicated location of a merchantand/or player).

In some embodiments, as information about merchants, products and/orprizes is received, such information may be entered in a database (e.g.,prize database 230). For example, a game show system receiving anindication that a car wash is providing one hundred units of aSuper-Clean Car Wash “ultimate car wash” offer, such information may bestored in the prize database 230.

In some embodiments, a game system (or agent thereof) may receiveentitlement data or other information related to a merchant and maysubsequently update prize database 230 and/or merchant database 225accordingly. In further embodiments, a merchant may interactsubstantially directly with one or more game system databases for thepurpose of providing one or more offers to a game system. For example, amerchant provides prize data by filling out a form on a website oranswering the prompts of an Interactive Voice Response telephone unit,and a prize database is automatically populated or modified as necessarywith the information.

2. Information about a User is Determined

In step 904, information about a user is determined. In someembodiments, determining information about a user may include thecentral controller determining geographic data associated with a user.For example, a user may have communicated with the controller (e.g., bylogging onto a website hosted by the controller), and the determinationcould be based on the user's selection of a local-area edition of a gameoffered via the website. For example, the user may have selected a“Stamford, Conn.” version of a game from a plurality of availableversions, or otherwise expressed a geographic preference. Determiningthe geographic data might then include determining which version of agame a user has selected or indicated and/or determining geographicinformation related to a selected game.

In other embodiments, the controller could determine geographic dataassociated with the user by determining the user's phone number (orportion thereof, such as a three digit local-area prefix), ZIP code, GPScoordinates, or by determining the IP address of a user device. Thecontroller could make this determination by requesting and receivinggeographic data from the user. For example, the user's geographic datacould be determined by asking for the user's credit card number, andretrieving a corresponding billing address from a local or remoteaccount database.

In some embodiments, information about a user may be communicated to thecontroller by the user, for example, by phone or using a personalcomputer (e.g., over the Internet). In one example, a user could providevarious user information, such as his name, address, contactinformation, and financial account information. For instance, the usermay enter data in corresponding data fields of a website hosted by oroperated by or on behalf of the controller, in a well-known manner. Ofcourse, many other ways of providing user information to a controllerwill be readily understood by those skilled in the art, in light of thepresent disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, a user who desires to play a game (e.g., inorder to receive a prize) must first register with the controller. Toregister, a user may, for example, employ a user terminal (e.g., a PDA,cell phone) to log onto the Internet and to visit a website hosted bythe controller. Registration may make the user eligible to play one ormore games and/or win prizes on the controller's website.

3. Enable Play of a Game by the User

In step 906, play of a game by the user is enabled. According to someembodiments of the present invention, the user may be allowed to playone or more games (or portions of a game). For example, the user mayvisit a website and be allowed to play an online game. Many types ofgames may be made available for play; some examples of games aredescribed herein, and still others will be readily apparent to those ofskill in the art.

For example, the game may involve skill, luck, or a combination of thetwo. A game may involve answering questions, such as trivia questions.In another example, a game may involve solving a puzzle, such as acrossword puzzle, acrostic, or cryptogram. Other puzzles may includejigsaw puzzles or puzzles like Rubik's Cube®. The game may involveplaying a version of a board game, such as, for example, Monopoly®,Scrabble®, Life®, Trivial Pursuit®, checkers, or chess. The game mayinvolve play of a card game, such as war, poker, Bridge, Hearts, Uno®,etc. In some embodiments, the game may involve play of a video game,such as Minesweeper, Frogger™, Super Mario Bros.™, or any other type ofvideo or arcade game. As will be appreciated, many other games might beplayed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, enabling play of a game may comprise determining agame to enable and/or generating some or all of the content for a game.In one example, once the controller has configured the game (e.g., byselecting particular content based on the version of the game requestedby the user and/or geographic data), the controller permits the customerto play the game.

In some embodiments, enabling play of a game may include transmittinggame content to a user device 104 and/or transmitting a signalinstructing the user device 104 to provide play of the game (e.g., someor all of the game content may be stored at the user device 104).

In some embodiments, allowing the user to play a game may comprise thecontroller initiating play of the game. For example, the controller maypresent to the user an initial question in a trivia game, an initialpuzzle state in a puzzle game, an initial setup in a board game, aninitial hand of cards in a card game, etc. In at least one embodiment,the central controller may initiate a game process by presenting one ormore introductory or instructional screens that explain aspects of gameplay, winning prizes, and/or prize redemption. Of course, suchinstructional information may be presented at any time and/or madeavailable to the user throughout the game (e.g., by clicking on a linkon a webpage). In some embodiments, the user device may initiate play ofthe game.

Initiating the game may include determining a first game event (e.g., aquestion) to present to the user. For example, the controller may outputa first question and then identify the customer's response (if any) tothe first question.

A user may or may not be required to pay to play a game. Thus, enablingplay of a game may but need not include receiving a payment (orindication of payment) by a user. If a user does pay, the payment may bemade from the user's financial account, such as a credit card account(e.g., as indicated in the player database 220). Alternatively, thepayment may be made from an account established with the controller.

In some embodiments of the present invention, providing game play mayinclude configuring or rendering the game based on informationassociated with one or more merchants (e.g., prize information) and/orinformation associated with the user. For example, the controller maydetermine at least one game element based on the geographic dataassociated with the user and data associated with at least one merchant.In some embodiments, such a determination may be made by querying one ormore databases and by identifying a game file corresponding to thegeographic data. For instance, the controller may use the customer'sselection of “Stamford, Conn.” as the basis for determining which of aplurality of games, or which version of a game, to provide.

Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, such a determinationmay be made by identifying merchants and/or products corresponding tothe user's geographic data (e.g., by querying the merchant and/or prizedatabases). Thus, such merchant and/or product information could be usedby the controller in configuring a game. For example, certain gameand/or prize screens could be populated with geographically relevantmerchant-related data. For instance, if a player selects a geographicalarea (e.g., a town or county), the controller may (i) query a database,(ii) identify products offered and/or merchants located within thatgeographical area, and (iii) assemble and display a product “showcase”comprising the identified products.

In some additional embodiments, such a determination may be made bydetermining whether a numerical limit associated with a particularretail entitlement has been reached. Such numerical limits may bedetermined, for example, based on information received from a merchant,as discussed herein (e.g., how many of a particular type of prize amerchant is willing to sponsor). For example, numerical limits may beemployed to ensure that not more than a given number of retailentitlements are distributed to players through a game system. Forinstance, a given retailer may wish to provide only one hundred retailentitlements for bottles of Brand Y Soda. Once one hundred of suchretail entitlements have been distributed, the controller may refrainfrom configuring games with images of and/or questions about Brand YSoda.

In one or more embodiments, information about products and/or servicesmarketed by a retailer may be incorporated into the play of the game. Insome embodiments, such information may relate to prizes (e.g., offers,entitlements) for which the user is playing or for which the user maybecome eligible (e.g., based on game play). For example, in a triviagame, questions may be asked that test a user's knowledge of the retailprices of products for which the user is playing, or knowledge of one ormore merchants sponsoring prizes in a showcase. FIG. 11 depicts oneexample game screen 1100 including a price-oriented question aboutproducts and services in a local edition of an online game. The message1102 instructs the player to select the three items that have thehighest retail prices from the set of six displayed products andservices. The graphics displayed for the products (e.g., image 1104)indicate a brief description of each product and the merchant offeringthe product. In some embodiments, additional information (e.g., amerchant location, more detailed description of the product) may beavailable about the product (e.g., by rolling over an image with apointer, by clicking on an image). To indicate a product is a correctanswer, the player is instructed to click on a depicted graphic (e.g.,image 1104) corresponding to that product (e.g., by using a mouse orother pointer device).

Of course, other types of games may incorporate such information aswell. For example, in a game involving the assembly of a jigsaw puzzle,the picture formed by the puzzle may depict one or more products forwhich a user is playing. In a crossword puzzle game, one or more wordsin the crossword puzzle may be the name of a product for which the useris playing. In a Scrabble™ game, the user's performance may be scoredhigher if the user makes words consisting of the names of presentedproducts. In one or more embodiments, a game may incorporate informationabout every prize for which a user is playing (e.g., about every productin a product showcase from which the user may become eligible to selectone or more prizes).

Play of a game may continue through one or more rounds (e.g., a seriesof questions) or component games. For example, a question-and-answerprocess may repeat a predetermined number of times (e.g., four times). Asession of a game show, for example, may include one or more componentgames. In some embodiments, component games may involve testing theskill of a contestant in relation to the sorting, ranking, selecting,choosing and/or grouping of certain game icons. In some embodiments, oneor more component games may be played sequentially within a gamesession. In further embodiments, a game contestant who successfullyplays one or more component games may aggregate value (e.g., currency,points, etc.) or some measure of performance that may be used, forexample, in determining whether the contestant may select one or moreprizes (e.g., upon the completion of a game show session).

Thus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention,after receiving information about one or more prizes from a merchant(and preferably from multiple merchants), a controller may then allowusers to earn value (e.g., based on a measure of performance) toward oneor more prizes. Alternatively, or in addition, a player's performancemay determine whether or not the player is even given the opportunity toselect one or more entitlements as a prize.

In some embodiments, a user is allowed to play a game for theopportunity to obtain one or more products for a relatively smallfinancial outlay (e.g., the difference between a Prize Meter amount andan average retail price). For instance, the user may play a game for theopportunity to obtain one or more products for an outlay of between zeroand thirty percent of the retail prices of one or more products.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the controller may alsodetermine and/or adjust a measure of performance of the player (e.g., asmight be represented in a Prize Meter or Price Tag). In someembodiments, the measure of performance may be based on the player'sskill (e.g., ability to answer a question correctly). In someembodiments, the controller may evaluate the correctness of a player'sresponses to game questions, challenges, or other game events, forexample, by comparing the player's indicated responses against adatabase of stored answers. Alternatively, or in addition, a measure ofperformance may be based on one or more factors unrelated to theplayer's skill or ability to play the game (e.g., a random event orpreferential increase in a player's game score).

Based on various factors, a measure of performance may increase,decrease, both increase and decrease, or remain unchanged during thecourse of a game. In one example, a value represented on a Prize Metermay be increased based on the customer's correct responses. In anotherexample, a value associated with a Price Tag icon may be adjusteddownward based on the customer's correct responses.

Some measures of a user's performance in a game may include and/or bebased on, without limitation:

-   a) A number of questions a user has answered correctly in a trivia    game.-   b) A number of answers a user has correctly chosen for a single    trivia question (e.g., in a game in which a user must select    multiple answers to a question).-   c) An amount of progress a user has made towards solving a puzzle.-   d) An outcome a user has obtained in a game of chance. For example,    in a slot machine game, a measure of a user's performance may    include whether the user has obtained a typical winning outcome,    such as “7-7-7” or a typical losing outcome, such as    “bar-orange-lemon.” A user's performance in a game of chance may be    made by reference to a pay table. For example, a pay table may    correlate an amount by which credit amount is to increase with each    possible outcome that may be obtained in the game of chance.-   e) An appraisal of how “good” a move made by the user was in a game    of skill. For example, in a game of Scrabble®, when there were    multiple possible words available for the user to create, the    performance of the user may be based on whether the user found the    highest-scoring word possible, the second highest-scoring word    possible, etc.-   f) An amount of time it takes a player to complete a game event,    such as a round of a game.-   g) A score a player has achieved in a game.-   h) A performance of a player relative to the performance of a real    or simulated opponent.-   i) A performance of a player relative to his own prior performance.    For example, measures of a user's performance may include measures    of the user's improvement since the last time he played a game.-   j) A number of questions, rounds, or other game events in a game. In    a game with a relatively few number of questions, for example, each    increase in a player's Prize Meter may be relatively large. However,    in a game with relatively large number of questions, each increase    may be relatively small, since the user may then have more chances    to increase the Prize Meter value.-   k) A target price. One or more factors used in determining a measure    of performance may have the object of biasing a final value (e.g., a    price level) to fall within a certain range (e.g., as desired by a    merchant and/or controller). For example, the amount of a price    level increase may be relatively larger if a target price is high,    and may be relatively smaller if a target price is low. In this way,    a user may be more likely to obtain a final price level that is    within a predetermined range of the target price, regardless of what    the target price is. For example, it may be desirable that the final    price level falls in the range from $0.50 to $1.00 below the target    price. In this way, the controller may make a small profit from    selling a product entitlement to the user, assuming the controller    has paid less than $0.50 to the merchant for the entitlement.-   l) A value of one or more products or other prizes the user may be    (or may become) eligible to obtain. For example, for relatively more    valuable products, Prize Meter increases may be smaller. For    relatively less valuable products, Prize Meter increases may be    larger. Of course, the value of a product may be measured in a    number of ways, and may be based on the product's retail price,    manufacturing cost, utility value, etc.-   m) An amount that the controller paid for one or more prizes. For    example, the price the controller paid a merchant for providing a    particular entitlement to the system, and for which the player may    be playing (e.g., as included in a showcase). Performance measure    increases may be relatively large for relatively small amounts paid,    and may be relatively small for relatively large amounts paid.-   n) A current stage or component of the game. For example,    performance measure increases may tend to be larger in later stages    of a game than they are in earlier stages. This may allow, for    example, the user to finish a game “on a high note” by having    achieved a relatively large performance measure increase near the    end.-   o) Chance. In one or more embodiments, the amount by which a measure    of performance is modified may be determined, at least in part,    through the outcome of a random or pseudo-random process. For    example, a credit amount increase may be equal to $0.45+x, where x    is a random variable which may take on any value between 0 and $1.00    with equal probability. Thus, a credit amount may increase by a    random amount between $0.45 and $1.45.

In one example of a Prize Meter embodiment, throughout a game (e.g.,after each question and answer), the controller communicates a user'ssuccess in answering questions (e.g., based on merchants and/or productsavailable in a geographic area) by adjusting a depicted Prize Meter. ThePrize Meter represents an amount of credit the player has won toward thepurchase of at least one product in a showcase. At the end of the game,as discussed further herein, the prospective customer may elect to paythe difference between the final Prize Meter amount and a target price,which may represent the average retail price of the items in theshowcase. Payment of this difference to the controller would allow thecustomer to redeem at least one showcased product from a retailer (e.g.,within a selected geographical region).

In one example of an alternative Price Tag embodiment, based on theprospective customer's success in answering questions about productssold by merchants within the selected geographic region, for example, aPrice Tag amount is adjusted. At the end of the game, the user may electto pay the Price Tag amount. Payment of the Price Tag amount to thecontroller would provide the customer the right to redeem at least oneproduct from a retailer within the selected geographic region.

FIG. 12 depicts an example game screen 1200 that includes a graphicrepresentation of a value 1202 (e.g., a score of $5.57) achieved by aplayer. The example screen also includes a representation of a meter1204 (e.g., the Prize Meter). The meter indicates the performance of theplayer relative to a target price 1206 (e.g., $16.77). The game screen1200 also indicates that the target price 1206 is the average retailprice of a showcase of prizes (e.g., on which one or more game questionsmay be based, from which a player may later choose a prize if eligible).The sample message 1208 communicates information to the player about theplayer's performance in a round, indicates the player's score at thatpoint in the game, and conveniently reminds the player of the goal ofattaining the target price in order to be eligible for one or moreprizes.

In some embodiments, users may achieve “price levels” applicable to oneor more products associated with product guarantees or other types ofentitlements. A price level counts towards the purchase of one or moreproducts (e.g., an earned discount off of a “retail price” or targetprice). For example, a player may win a price level for one or moreproducts based on game play. For instance, at the initiation of thegame, the user may begin with a price level of $0.00. However, thebeginning price level may, in various embodiments, take on other values.For example, after one or more activities in the game, the controllermay modify the price level. In one or more embodiments, the controllermay modify the price level based on the user's play of the game. Forinstance, if the user has done well in the game (e.g., come closer toone or more game objectives), then the controller may increase the pricelevel by a relatively large amount. However, if the user has done poorlyin the game, then the controller may increase the price level by arelatively small amount. The controller may even leave the price levelunchanged, or may decrease the price level. In one or more embodiments,a measure of a user's performance may be directly related to the skillexhibited by the user in the game. For instance, the better the user'sperformance in the game, the higher the price level. Therefore, throughskillful play of a game, a user may earn a high price level, and maythereby acquire one or more products for a small financial outlay.

Reference is now made to an example trivia game in which the user ispresented with a single question and may or must select multipleanswers. In one exemplary question, a user is presented with multipleillustrations and/or text descriptions of products. The user is asked toindicate each product whose retail price is below $9.00. For instance,the question might read, “Click on the three products below that retailfor less than $9.00.” In such a game, the amount of increase in a pricelevel may depend on the number of correct answers chosen. For example,if the user chooses no correct answers, then the price level may remainthe same. If the user chooses exactly one correct answer, then the pricelevel may be increased by $0.25. If the user chooses exactly two correctanswers, then the price level may be increased by $1.00. If the userchooses exactly three correct answers, then the price level may beincreased by $2.00.

In one embodiment, a table may be stored in the memory of a controller,for example. The table stores information representing an amount bywhich a price level is to be increased depending on the number ofcorrect answers a user provides for a question. The amount of the pricelevel increase need not be strictly proportional to the number ofcorrect answers provided.

In one or more embodiments, it may be desirable that a measure ofperformance (e.g., a game score) increases after every question, round,or other game event. This may reduce the likelihood that a user becomesdiscouraged while playing the game. Therefore, in one embodiment, thecontroller provides a question to the user that the user will answercorrectly. For example, the question says, “Select the three items belowthat retail for the highest prices.” The user is given five answerchoices. If there are only two (or fewer) incorrect answer choices, andthe user must select three choices, the user is guaranteed to get atleast one correct answer. Therefore, in an embodiment in which a PrizeMeter is increased upon the selection of any correct answer, the user isguaranteed to obtain an increase in the amount depicted by the PrizeMeter.

In one embodiment, after each question, round, or other game event, aprice level or measure of performance may be shown to the player asincreasing. For example, a user answers a question that is presented ona first screen of the controller's website. After the user has indicatedhis answer, a second screen may appear showing a meter indicating aprice or value (e.g., a Prize Meter). The meter may consist of an areaof a screen that displays the user's price level. The meter may displaya price level numerically, with exemplary readings of “$0.35”, or“4.32.” FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary display of a meter indicating anamount or price, and is discussed further below. The price on the metermay then be shown increasing.

In some embodiments, above the meter, the controller may display amessage indicating various information. Such information may include theuser's performance in the prior round (e.g., “You got 2 out of 3correct”), an indication of what is presently occurring (e.g., “yourprice level is now increasing”), the amount by which the price level isincreasing, and so on. Visually, the displayed price may increaserapidly through a sequence of consecutive prices. For instance, “$0.00”becomes “$0.01,” then “$0.02,” then “$0.03,” finally ending with“$2.23.”

A meter or other indication of a player's game performance may be shownon a different screen from the screen in which the user plays the game.For example, after each question, round, or other event, the controllermay display for the user a separate screen in which the price on themeter is shown increasing. Once a meter has been depicted as reachingits new value, for example, the controller may bring the user back tothe screen in which the game is being played.

Of course, the meter may be shown in the same screen as the game. Forexample, the user may view questions in the lower portion of his screen,and may view the meter displayed in the upper portion of his screen.After, or during each game event, the user may watch as the priceincreases. For instance, after the user answers the first of threequestions displayed on a screen, the user's earned credit amount may beshown increasing within the same screen.

In addition to, or instead of displaying a price using a meter, thecontroller may display a measure of game performance or other measuregraphically. For example, the controller may display a thermometer witha target price indicated above the thermometer. The thermometer maycontain a depiction of a mercury level representing the current pricelevel. The ratio of the height of the mercury to the height of thethermometer may be (but need not be) made proportional to the ratio ofthe price level to the target price, for example. Other graphicdepictions of a price level may include a dial with markings from zeroto the target price, an hourglass where the level of sand is related tothe current price level, and so on. Other types of graphicrepresentations will be understood by those skilled in the art in lightof the present disclosure.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller maydetermine a final measure of performance (e.g., a final Prize Meteramount or Price Tag value). For instance, the user may reach the end ofa game after which there are no further game events. A final measure orscore may be presented to the user, in any of various well-known ways.In one example, in a separate screen showing the final amount on ameter, the controller may display the message, “This is your final pricelevel.” In another example, the message may read more explicitly, “Yourfinal price level is $9.45.” In one or more embodiments, the controllermay express the user's final amount in terms of a price gap or gapamount that is equal to the difference between a target price and afinal value (or, alternatively, it may be equal to a final Price Tagvalue). For example, the controller may display the message, “Your pricegap is $0.55. You only need to pay $0.55 to acquire each of up to threeproducts.”

In one or more embodiments featuring a pricing-themed game, a finalPrize Meter Gap Amount or Price Tag value may be determined based on thecustomer's success in answering one or more price-oriented questions.The Prize Meter Gap Amount or Price Tag may then be displayed to thecustomer.

4. Merchant Information is Presented to the User

In step 908, merchant information is presented to the user. In someembodiments, as discussed herein, a server may be configured to presentto a user (e.g., a game contestant) information about one or moreproducts and/or one offer from one or more merchants. In someembodiments, as described herein, presenting information associated witha merchant may comprise presenting information about one or moreproducts or services available at a merchant in a game (e.g., displayinga prize showcase, asking a question based on information about amerchant or a merchant's product). For example, information associatedwith a merchant, such as the merchant's name, location, and/orinformation about products or services the merchant offers, may be usedas an element of a game.

In some embodiments, presenting such information may comprise providinga user with a prize and/or allowing a user to select at least one prize(e.g., product entitlement) associated with a merchant. According tosome embodiments, presenting merchant information to a user may comprisedetermining what information to present. For example, in someembodiments, the entitlements from which the customer may be allowed toselect a prize may be based on the Prize Meter Gap Amount, the Price Tagamount, the price level and/or the customer's degree of success inplaying the game.

In accordance with some embodiments, presenting merchant information toa user may comprise determining whether to provide access to anyentitlements (e.g., based on a user's performance in game). For example,after a player has finished playing a game (e.g., after four rounds ofquestions), the central controller evaluates the customer's performanceand determines whether, and to what degree, the customer will beprovided with retail entitlements. In another example, once a finalprice level or other measure of performance has been determined, theuser may have an opportunity to select one or more products.

In some embodiments, prizes may be presented to users of a game systemirrespective of their interaction with one or more component games(e.g., a contestant of a game show system who does not win or complete agame may still be presented with an offer). In other embodiments, acontestant may be presented with a prize based on her success playing acomponent game (e.g., a customer answers a question correctly and isthen presented with an entitlement). In other embodiments, upon thecompletion of one or more component games, a customer may be presentedwith at least one prize from each of at least two merchants.

In one or more embodiments, the number of prizes a user may select maydepend upon the user's game performance. For example, if the user hasperformed poorly, then the user may be allowed to select only oneproduct. On the other hand, if the user has performed well, then theuser may be allowed to select three products.

In one example of a Prize Meter embodiment, based on the Prize Meter GapAmount and/or the user's degree of success in the game (e.g., inanswering price-oriented questions), the controller may determine howmany products the customer may be entitled to purchase for the PrizeMeter Gap Amount. In one example of a Price Tag embodiment, based on thePrice Tag amount and/or the user's degree of success in answeringquestions, the central controller may determine how many products thecustomer may be entitled to purchase for the Price Tag amount.

In some embodiments, a user may select or may otherwise be issued acertain number of prizes based on his success or failure playing one ormore component games within a game session. For example, a user may beable to claim a certain number of prizes (e.g., “Pick your favorite 3prizes!”) that is determined based on the player's performance playingone or more component games (e.g., the customer successfully completedthree of four component games). In other embodiments, a customer mayaccept more than one prize (e.g., a customer may select three prizesfrom a “showcase” of fifteen prizes).

In some embodiments, a user may be allowed to choose a subset of prizespresented to him, as discussed further herein. In one embodiment, a usermay also have the opportunity to select a product for which the pricelevel he has won will apply. For example, over the course of a game, theuser may win a price level of $9.45. In one embodiment, the user may bepresented with twenty-four product descriptions and may have theopportunity to select up to three of them.

In other embodiments, the number of prizes that a user may be eligibleto choose may be predetermined and/or may be limited by the rules of thegame, for example, to three products (e.g., as indicated in thepresentation rules database 240).

A representation of any prizes made available for selection, and/or anindication of the number of prizes the customer may select, may beoutput to the customer in a prize selection screen. In some embodiments,the group of products from which a player may be able to select a prizeand/or will play a game for may be referred to as a showcase, prizeshowcase, or product showcase. In at least one embodiment, availableprize options may be presented in the form of a prize showcase (at thebeginning of the game, during the game, or anytime), in which aplurality of prizes (e.g., represented by pictures or icons) arepresented substantially simultaneously to a player. In one embodiment,the prize showcase is displayed after the contestant has completedplaying at least one component game.

FIG. 13 depicts an example game screen 1300 that may be used to prompt agame player to select one or more retail entitlements. The screen 1300displays indications of a plurality of prizes 1304 (a “showcase”) fromwhich the player may select. A sample message 1302 communicates to theplayer that the player has earned a final amount of $9.45 (e.g., a finalPrize Meter amount). In some embodiments, as discussed herein, theindicated final amount may be used in determining an amount to becharged the player for each entitlement issued. In this example, theaverage retail price of the showcase (e.g., a target price) is $10.00.The sample message 1302 also indicates that the player may receive up tothree prizes in exchange for $0.55 per prize (i.e., the gap amount is$0.55).

In one or more embodiments, the user may have the opportunity to chooseone or more products for which he will play or from which he will beable to select a prize. For example, prior to initiating game play, orat any time, the user may choose a category of products, such as“household items,” “restaurant items,” or “premium products.” Based onthe user's choice of category, the controller may determine one or moreproducts that fall into the category. For example, in the category of“restaurant items,” the controller may select a “large pizza at Tanya'sPizza”, an “appetizer at Gordon's Diner”, a “large drink at Linda'sCafé”, and so on. It will be understood that a category of products maybe defined by any number of attributes, such as the price of productswithin the category, the main use of products within the category (e.g.,all products are used for gardening), the location at which the productsmay be purchased (e.g., all are from merchants within a particulargeographic region), the audience to which products would appeal (e.g.,products for a family with children), and so on. A category of productsmight even consist of “miscellaneous” products, with no particularrelationship among them.

In one or more embodiments, the user himself may choose one or moreindicated individual products that he will play for (i.e., that he maybe or become eligible to select at the end of the game). In one or moreother embodiments, a user may not have a choice as to a showcase orproduct category, or as to which products will be contained in ashowcase. In one example, a controller may create a group of productsthat fall under a category. The group of products selected by thecontroller may then comprise the products for which the game will beplayed. In another example, the user may choose a product category, thecontroller may then present the user with products falling within thecategory, and the user may then select individual products from withinthe category in order to form a showcase.

In various embodiments, presenting merchant-related information mayinclude one or more of (i) receiving or otherwise determining at leasttwo offers, (ii) determining a presentation rule, (iii) identifying atleast one game condition (e.g., a measure of performance), and/or (iv)determining whether to present the first or second offer based on thepresentation rule and the at least one game condition. For example,merchants may instruct that certain prizes be offered in accordance withdifferent criteria (e.g., present prize MP-001 to a certain type ofcontestant, during a certain time of day, when prize LP-003 is alsoavailable for selection). Accordingly, in some embodiments (e.g.,wherein one merchant may provide a plurality of offers), a system mayemploy a presentation process in which, based on stored presentationrules and game conditions, one or more particular offers from one ormore merchants may be presented instead of other offers. Various typesof presentment rules may be stored and/or referred to as deemedpracticable, in accordance with some embodiments, to increase theoverall acceptance rates of entitlements and to generate more trafficand sales at the retail locations of participating merchants.

In some embodiments, presenting merchant-related information includescommunicating one or more of (i) written text describing an offer and/oroffer terms; (ii) an icon, graphic and/or picture representing a productor service associated with the offer; and/or (iii) any other means ofcommunicating a specific offer or other prize to a contestant, visuallyor otherwise. For example, the controller may present to the user anumber of product images and product descriptions. Such images anddescriptions may correspond to products for which the controller hasobtained product guarantees or other entitlements. Additionally, asdiscussed herein, such images and descriptions may correspond to a groupof products determined at the start of the game.

In some embodiments, as discussed herein, more than one entitlement maybe presented substantially simultaneously to a contestant. For example,a contestant may be presented with a plurality of offers (e.g., a prizeshowcase contains fifteen prize offers supplied by local merchants) fromwhich a contestant may claim a certain number of prizes (e.g., “Pickyour favorite 3 prizes!”). In another example, a user may then bepresented with twenty-four product images, representing such exemplaryproducts as a large pizza at Joe's Pizza, a manicure at Hilda's Salon,or a dog grooming at Sam's Creature Care Center. Each product maycorrespond to a product described by a product guarantee or otherentitlement.

5. An Entitlement is Provided to the User

In step 910, an entitlement is provided to the user. In someembodiments, an entitlement may be provided as a prize (e.g., in agame). In some embodiments, providing an entitlement may includedetermining whether a user accepts at least one retail entitlement. Forexample, upon being presented with one or more offers (e.g., via adisplay of a user device 104), a user may accept one or more offers. Insome embodiments, providing an entitlement to a user comprises receivingan indication of a selection by a user of the entitlement.

If the customer has won a retail entitlement, for example, such as theability to purchase a product for an amount equal to a Prize Meter GapAmount or a Price Tag amount, the customer may be provided with theopportunity to accept the retail entitlement (e.g., by clicking on acorresponding image displayed on a website).

In various embodiments, a user may accept an entitlement by selecting(e.g., highlighting, clicking on, pressing an area of a touch screen,actuating a corresponding button or key, etc.) one or more of: (i) text,(ii) icons, graphics or symbols, and/or (iii) any representation, visualor otherwise, identifying a specific entitlement sponsored by amerchant. FIG. 13, discussed above, depicts an example game screen 1300that may be used to prompt a game player to select one or more prizes.

In some embodiments, as discussed herein, a player may accept a finitenumber of entitlements after completing a game session. In otherembodiments, a player may win one or more prizes (e.g., after playing agame show), and choose not to accept or select prizes until a later time(e.g., a return visit to the game show website). Also, in someembodiments, providing an entitlement may not include any activeacceptance by a player of a particular prize. For example, a visitor toan online game show website may automatically “win” a medium pizza froma local merchant.

In one or more embodiments, the user need not select any entitlements orother prizes. For instance, the user may not desire to obtain any of theproducts displayed for him, even though he may be able to do so for wellbelow the products' typical retail prices. In such cases, the user maybe given the opportunity to select from another group of products and/orto replay the game. In some embodiments, a customer's rejection of theat least one retail entitlement results in the start of a new game.Thus, although a user may potentially accept at least one retailentitlement, the customer may also reject the at least one retailentitlement.

Should a user accept at least one embodiment, providing the entitlementmay further comprise determining whether the customer is a first-timeplayer or a repeat visitor to the website. For example, the controllermay consult a player database 220 to determine if the user haspreviously played an online game before, which would indicate that theplayer is a repeat visitor. If the customer is a first-time player, thisstep may further comprise requesting and receiving the customer'scontact information (e.g., full name, address, phone number, etc.)and/or financial account information (e.g., credit card account number).Of course, as discussed herein, such information may be requested and/orreceived prior to the start of a game or at any time.

According to some embodiments, a user may provide a payment in exchangefor a product, offer, entitlement, or other prize. In some embodiments,a prize may include the opportunity to purchase something. For example,a user may pay for one or more selected products based on a price levelhe has achieved or a credit amount he has earned. In another example,based on a Prize Meter Gap Amount and/or a user's degree of success inanswering price-oriented questions, the user may be entitled to purchaseone or more products for the Prize Meter Gap Amount. In an example of aPrice Tag embodiment, based on the Price Tag amount and/or the user'sdegree of success in answering price-oriented questions, the user may beentitled to purchase one or more products for the Price Tag amount. Ifthe user has won an entitlement such as the ability to purchase aproduct for an amount equal to a Prize Meter Gap Amount or a Price Tagamount, the user may be provided with the opportunity to accept theretail entitlement.

In some embodiments featuring pricing-themed games, the operator of thecontroller may desire to provide first-time customers with the abilityto receive one or more retail entitlements for free. In the case of aPrize Meter embodiment, for example, the controller may be configured towaive charging first-time customers any amount whatsoever, including (1)a game entry fee, or (2) a Prize Meter Gap Amount. Otherwise, for repeatcustomers, the controller may be configured to charge (1) a game entryfee (e.g., $0.25 per game) and/or (2) a Prize Meter Gap Amount. In thecase of a Price Tag embodiment, the controller may be configured towaive charging first-time customers any amount whatsoever, including (1)a game entry fee, or (2) an amount based on the customer's final PriceTag. Otherwise, for repeat customers, the controller may be configuredto charge (1) a game entry fee (e.g., $0.25 per game), and/or (2) anamount based on the customer's final Price Tag, such as an amount equalto the final Price Tag amount multiplied by the number of productsselected from a prize selection screen (e.g., sample game screen 1300).

It should be noted that in embodiments where customers are required topay the controller (e.g., with a credit card account or accountestablished with the controller) a Price Tag amount or gap amount inorder to realize retail entitlements, the controller may be configuredto request a supplemental, affirmative authorization from the customerto charge the customer's account.

In one example of a Prize Meter embodiment, a customer may determinethat the final Prize Meter Gap Amount is too high (i.e., it would costtoo much to purchase an entitlement), and may choose to start the gameprocess over again. Further, in such instances, a fee may be optionallycharged for each new game started (e.g., $0.25).

According to some embodiments, a user may purchase one or more productsby making up the gap between a credit amount (or a price level) and atarget price. Once the user has chosen a subset of products (e.g., froma showcase), the user may pay for the chosen products based on thecredit amount he has accumulated. Thus, in some embodiments, to obtain aright to an entitlement, a user need then only pay the differencebetween the credit amount he has achieved and a determined price (e.g.,a target price, a retail price of the product corresponding to theentitlement). Once the user has selected one or more entitlements, theuser may be charged for the entitlements. The credit amount a user earnstoward an entitlement may typically be close to the retail price of theproduct, so that there is only a small gap for the user to make up usinghis own funds. Accordingly, it is generally beneficial for a user to wina higher credit amount for a product, as then there will be a smallergap that he must pay out of his own pocket. Equivalently, it isgenerally beneficial for the user to achieve a small gap, which in someembodiments may be represented as a declining value (e.g., a Price Tagamount).

Providing an entitlement to a user may comprise determining a price tocharge the user for one or more entitlements. In some embodiments, afterthe one or more products have been determined as part of the game and/orfor selection as prizes by the user, the controller may determine atarget price. During a game, the user may attempt to get a price levelor credit amount as close as possible to a target price. If the user canget his price level to match the target price, for example, then theuser may be able to obtain one or more products without furtherfinancial outlay (i.e., for free).

In one embodiment, the target price may be determined based upon theretail prices of the products for which the user is playing. The targetprice may be based on, for example:

-   a) The average (mean, median or mode) of the retail prices of the    products-   b) The highest of the retail prices of the products-   c) The lowest of the retail prices of the products-   d) The weighted average of the retail prices of the products.

It will be understood that the weighting of retail prices may be done ina number of ways. In one example, the retail price of a particularproduct is weighted based on the frequency with which users have chosenit for acquisition in the past. For instance, suppose a user is playingfor a group of products comprising products A, B, and C. At the end ofthe game, the user will be able to choose one of the group of productsto acquire. Suppose further that product A has a retail price of $10.00,product B has a retail price of $5.00, and product C has a retail priceof $9.00. Further, suppose that products A and B have been chosen withabout equal frequency in the past, while product C has been chosen twiceas often as products A or B. Therefore, the retail price of product Cmay receive twice the weighting of the retail prices of products A and Bwhen figuring the target price. Thus, in this example, the target pricemay be equal to: (retail price of A+retail price of B+2×retail price ofC)/4, which equals $10.00+$5.00+2×$9.00)/4, which equals $8.25. Ofcourse, there are many other criteria with which the weightings for anaverage may be derived.

It should be noted that the target price might be determined based onother prices or measures of value for the products for which the user isplaying. For example, the target price of a product may be based uponthe price the controller paid for a corresponding product guarantee, themanufacturing cost of the product, the price suggested for the productby a merchant (e.g., by the merchant supplying the product), theliquidation value of the product, and so on. The controller may alsodetermine a target price based on other additional or alternativefactors. Such factors may include, without limitation:

-   a) The category label, or the showcase label. For example, if a    category is labeled “premium products,” then the target price may be    relatively high, even though the products themselves do not    necessarily have high retail prices.-   b) The geographic location of the user. In various embodiments, the    controller may wish to discourage play from users who live far from    merchants providing product guarantees. Such users might be less    likely to become regular customers of the merchants. Therefore, in    one or more embodiments, a target price is made relatively higher    for a user whose residence is geographically distant from the    location of one or more merchants providing product guarantees for    the products in a game.-   c) Chance. A controller may select a target price at random. The    target price may, for example, take on a random value within a    predetermined range, such as $8.00 to $12.00.-   d) History. The controller may, for example, select a target price    for a showcase because the target price has applied to similar    showcases in the past.

In at least one embodiment, if a user's price level falls short of thetarget price, then the user may have to make up the gap with his ownfunds. In some embodiments, this gap refers to the difference betweenthe price level won by the user and the retail price of the product. Forexample, if the target price is $9.50, and the user achieves a pricelevel of $9.10 through play of the game, then the user may have to makeup the gap of $0.40 with his own funds if he wishes to obtain a product.To obtain two products, the user may have to use $0.80 from his ownfunds, and so forth.

In another example, for each selected product, the amount the user ischarged may be equal to the difference between the target price and theprice level the user won during play of the game. For instance, if theuser has won a price level of $8.55, if the target price is $10.00, andif the user has chosen three products, then the user may be charged3×($10.00−$8.55), or $4.35. The user may, in some embodiments, becharged an additional amount for other costs, such as shipping costs forthe product or for a certificate redeemable for the product (e.g., ifthe product or certificate is mailed to the user by the controller).

In some embodiments, the user may be considered to be purchasing themeans to obtain a product (as opposed to purchasing the product itselffrom the controller). Since the controller may have obtained productguarantees, for example, the controller may be able to provide the userwith the means for obtaining a product (e.g., a certificatecorresponding to the guarantee). The user may then obtain the productfrom an appropriate merchant.

In some cases, the game may be configured such that a user may be ableto achieve a price level equal to the retail price of a product, inwhich case he would not have to pay anything for the chosen products—thegap amount would be zero.

In some embodiments, providing one or more entitlements to a user mayinclude receiving payment or an indication of payment by a user. Forexample, the user may possess an account with the controller. Theaccount may contain an amount of funds provided by the controller (or athird party) to the user for free (e.g., as a benefit to first-timeusers). Alternatively, the user's account may have been established orfunded with funds from the user's credit card account. For instance, theuser's credit card account may have been charged $5.00 in order to fundan account maintained with the controller. Once the user has agreed topurchase one or more products, the amount of the gap between the targetprice and the final price level may be deducted from the user's accountwith the controller. If the user has insufficient funds in his account,in some embodiments the user may be required to add additional funds(e.g., from a credit card account).

In some embodiments, the user may not have an account associated withthe controller. In one or more such embodiments, the user's credit cardaccount may be charged directly for any amount required to obtain one ormore entitlements (e.g., based on the gap between a target price and aprice level earned by the player).

In one or more embodiments, providing an entitlement to a user comprisesproviding the user with means to obtain a product (e.g., correspondingto a product guarantee). In some embodiments, if the user has acceptedat least one retail entitlement, the controller the retail entitlementto the user. This may include providing retail entitlement data to theuser (e.g., including information about a product, a merchant, amerchant location, etc.) and/or recording the distribution of the retailentitlements. Thus, in some embodiments, once the user has purchased aright to receive a product, the controller may provide the user with themeans to obtain that product.

In one or more embodiments, the user may obtain the product by bringingan appropriate certificate to the merchant providing the product.Providing an entitlement to a user may thus include providing acertificate or other means to obtain a product. In one example, acertificate might contain, among other things, the user's name, adescription of the product for which the certificate is redeemable, thename of the merchant who will provide the product, a date on which thecertificate was issued, a date by which the certificate must beredeemed, and one or more designs that are difficult to forge.

In some embodiments, the controller may provide a player with a retailentitlement by allowing the player to download a printable voucher thatcan be presented by the player to a retailer in a redemption process.For example, once a user has paid for one or more product guarantees,the controller may transmit to the user one or more printablecertificates. In one embodiment, the controller transmits onecertificate for each entitlement for which the user has paid. The usermay then print the printable certificates from a user device (e.g.,using a printing device). The controller may transmit a certificate to auser in electronic form. For example, the controller may transmit thecertificate as a PDF (portable document format) file.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic file to be printed as thecertificate is not displayed directly on the user's terminal screen. Theelectronic file may be set up in this way, for example, in order todiscourage screen-capturing of the certificate. For instance, if theuser were able to screen-capture the certificate, the user mightduplicate the certificate electronically and send electronic versions ofthe certificate to friends. Since the friends would thereby obtaincertificates without paying, and since there might now be morecertificates outstanding than were intended by the controller, there-transmission of certificates could be a misuse of the system.

In one or more embodiments, the controller may mail to the user a copyof a certificate or entitlement data via postal mail. Postal mail mightbe used, for example, if the user has no printer.

In other embodiments, the controller may allow the player to download acode that identifies a prize into a PDA, cell phone, or other portabledevice. In some embodiments, a game may be played on a user device(e.g., a PDA) in order to “unlock” any codes stored in the device. Forexample, a player's PDA may unlock one or more stored prize codes (e.g.,reveal them to the player) based on the player's performance in a game.

In some embodiments, the player could transmit a prize code to a deviceoperated by the retailer upon redemption. In yet another embodiment, thecontroller may merely output a message to the customer indicating thatan entitlement is registered in his or her name.

For each issued entitlement, the controller may create or update arecord in a database to reflect the issuance (e.g., an issued prizedatabase 235 and/or a prize database 230). In some embodiments, once acustomer accepts one or more prizes, a record (e.g., in prize database230) may be updated so as to reflect the removal of one or more prizeunits. This step may be particularly useful in embodiments whereparticipating merchants wish to limit the availability of retailentitlements. For example, the number available of a particular prizemay be adjusted in the prize database 230. Maintaining and tracking theissuance of prizes may be desirable so that, once a given retailentitlement has been exhausted (i.e. once a numerical limit has beenreached), related products are not included as game elements or offeredas prizes in any subsequent games.

In various embodiments, acceptance data may be recorded (e.g., in anissued prize database) to reflect a customer's selection of a prize. Insome embodiments, acceptance data may include an indication of: (i) theoffer that was accepted, (ii) the user that selected the offer (e.g.,user data, which may include demographic information), (iii) the statusof certain game elements when the offer was selected (e.g., gameconditions), and/or (iv) general game system statistics. Additionally,in some embodiments, acceptance data may be sequentially updated toinclude information concerning the redemption of awarded prizes (e.g., acustomer's behavior subsequent to accepting a prize, such as whether ornot a prize voucher is then presented and redeemed at a merchant retaillocation).

6. A Request to Validate an Entitlement is Received

In step 912, a request to validate an entitlement is received. In someembodiments a user provides a certificate to a merchant sponsoring acorresponding entitlement.

In some embodiments, the controller may receive a request to validate anattempt by a user to redeem a retail entitlement, and may determine thevalidity of the retail entitlement. For example, after at least oneretail entitlement has been distributed to a customer, a retailer maytransmit retail entitlement data to the controller to validate theretail entitlement. A retailer may seek such validation of a retailentitlement when a customer attempts to redeem a product from themerchant by claiming that they are entitled to receive the product(e.g., after having played an online game). For instance, a customer maypresent a product to a cashier at a retail store and tell the cashierthat she is entitled to receive the product as a result of her playingan online game. The cashier may, in turn, manipulate a merchant devicesuch as a personal computer, a validator device or a card authorizationterminal to transmit an authorization or validation inquiry to thecontroller.

Such an inquiry may include, without limitation, (a) an entitlementidentifier, such as an alphanumeric voucher identifier or prize code(e.g., that may match or be used to determine a prize identifier 602);(b) a unique identifier of the customer, such as a full name, SocialSecurity Number, financial account number (e.g., credit card number,checking account number), promotional account number (e.g., loyalty cardnumber), or the like; and/or (c) a description of the product thecustomer claims she is entitled to receive (e.g., a Universal ProductCode, or the like).

After receiving a request, the central controller may consult a database(e.g., an issued prize database 235) to confirm that the customer wasissued an appropriate retail entitlement. If the controller determinesthat the customer is registered to receive the product, the centralcontroller may (1) transmit an authorization message to the cashier, whomay authorize the transaction such that the customer need not providepayment to the retailer for the product; and/or (2) update a databaserecord to reflect the redemption (e.g., in the issued prize database235).

Thus, if a customer has won the product and/or purchased it inconjunction with an online game, in some embodiments she need notprovide any payment to the retailer in order to acquire the product. Insome embodiments, an operator of the central controller may credit theretailer for any such redeemed products.

In an alternate embodiment, a retailer may maintain an independentdatabase or log of retail entitlement identifiers that can be consultedwithout submitting an inquiry to the controller. Such information may beprovided to the retailer by the controller, for example, from time totime. When a customer wishes to redeem a retail entitlement, thevalidity of the retail entitlement can be verified against theretailer's local information, eliminating the need to communicate (e.g.,via a network) with the controller in order to validate thatentitlement. Of course, the retailer may at some point indicate to thecontroller that the entitlement has been redeemed.

In one example, a user may have purchased an entitlement after playingan online game. In another example, with a printed certificate in hand,a user may visit the merchant who is to provide a product the user haspurchased a right to (e.g., from the controller). The user may hand thecertificate to the merchant and may receive the prize from the merchantin exchange for the certificate.

Referring to FIG. 10, a flow chart 1000 is depicted that represents someembodiments of the present invention. Although the method 1000 isdiscussed as being performed by a controller, it will be understood inlight of the present disclosure that various aspects of the exemplarymethod may be performed by a controller, a game server, a user device, aretailer device, or any combination of the devices and/or computersdescribed herein.

In step 1002, data is received from a plurality of retail merchants. Forexample, merchants register via a website or otherwise communicateinformation to the controller. Various examples of merchant-relatedinformation are described in this disclosure and might includegeographic data, product offerings (e.g., a dinner menu), promotionalinformation (e.g., “We've been satisfying Stamford customers since1983”), and one or more prizes each merchant is willing to provide tothe system (e.g., “Large cheese pizza”). In step 1004, geographic dataassociated with a user is determined. For example, a visitor to anonline game website may indicate a preference for a local edition of agame or might indicate a street address when registering with a centralcontroller. In step 1006, at least one game element is determined basedon the geographic data associated with the user and the data receivedfrom at least one merchant. For example, a controller may identify aparticular game file associated with a local edition of a game. Inanother example, the controller may generate game questions that arebased on information about merchants and/or products available in theuser's geographic data. In another example, the controller may determinea prize showcase including prizes sponsored by local merchants (e.g.,merchants identified based on the user's indicated geographic area). Instep 1008, a game process is initiated. Various aspects of providingplay of a game are described in this disclosure, and other examples willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light thisdisclosure. In step 1010, the user's access to retail entitlements isdetermined based on the user's performance in the game. For example, ameasure of performance may be determined and tracked during play of thegame (e.g., based on various factors discussed in the disclosure). Inanother example, the user may be required to achieve a minimum gameperformance before being permitted access to any entitlements. In step1012, the controller determines whether the user accepts at least oneentitlement. For example, as discussed herein, the user may be presentedwith a prize selection screen and may indicate (e.g., using a mouse) oneor more entitlements he would like to receive. In another example, auser may indicate permission to charge an account for any amount due foran entitlement accepted by the user. In step 1014, retail entitlementdata is provided to the user if the user has accepted at least oneentitlement and (optionally) a record of the issuance of the retailentitlement is recorded. For example, the user may receive a file foruse in printing a voucher and/or may receive a code that identifies theissued entitlement(s). In step 1016, a request to validate a retailentitlement is received from a merchant and the validity of the retailentitlement of is determined. For example, a retailer may send a voucheridentifier to the controller in order to determine whether a customerpresenting a voucher is entitled to receive a product (e.g., for free).

E. Additional Examples

The following examples illustrate some additional embodiments of thepresent invention in which a user is able to play a game and earn aprice level. The following examples are provided merely to illustratesome aspects of the present invention, and should not be construed aslimiting the scope of the invention in any way. Various otherembodiments and examples of embodiments are discussed herein, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the presentdisclosure.

According to an example scenario, Susan used her home computer to logonto an online game show website called “The Price is Right™ Online.”She had heard about the website from a friend. Her friend had told herthat The Price is Right Online is where people can participate in anonline game show in order to win prizes for low prices, typically forless than a dollar. Susan registered for the website by providing hername, address, email address, and credit card number. As a first timeuser, she was provided with a free $5.00 credit to an accountestablished with The Price is Right Online. After reading through somebrief instructions, Susan elected to begin play of the game. Her accountwas charged $0.25 for the game, leaving her with $4.75.

Before beginning play of the game, Susan was instructed to choose aproduct showcase. The product showcase would contain twenty-fourproducts or services for which Susan would play the game. Each of thetwenty-four products would be from merchants in Susan's local area.Several showcase descriptions were listed, including a “GeneralShowcase,” a “Dining Showcase,” a “Premium Showcase,” and a “HouseholdProducts” showcase. Each showcase had an associated target price, whichindicated the average retail price of all of the products within theshowcase. Susan chose the General Showcase, which had a target price of$10.00.

At the beginning of the game, a meter was displayed on Susan's screen.The meter consisted of a box on her screen showing numerals displayed toindicate a price. The meter now showed a starting credit amount or pricelevel of $0.00. Beside the meter was a graphic depiction of athermometer. At the top of the thermometer was printed the target priceof $10.00. Currently, there was no mercury in the thermometer.

The game consisted of four multiple-choice questions. Each questionrelated to the prices of products or services from Susan's chosenshowcase. After showing Susan the meter, a new screen displayed thefirst question. The question read, “Which three of the following sixproducts have the highest retail prices?” Six product images andcorresponding text descriptions were displayed below the question.

Susan clicked on three of the products, and then clicked on a “submitanswer” button. The screen on her computer then changed to show her amessage, “Congratulations, all your answers were correct.” Below themessage, her price meter was displayed prominently. The price leveldisplayed started at $0.00, but then started increasing rapidly until itreached $2.05. Beside the image of the price meter was a thermometer. Asthe price level increased, the mercury in the thermometer was shown toincrease proportionally. The thermometer was now approximately 20% full.

A new screen appeared with another question and more products. “Whichone of the following six products has the lowest retail price?” Susanagain selected an answer and again was taken to screen with her pricemeter. She had gotten the correct answer, so her price level increasedfrom $2.05 to $4.10. The next question was “Which three of the followingsix products have the lowest retail prices?” Susan clicked on threeanswers and was again taken to the screen with her price meter. Thistime, the message read, “Congratulations, two of your three answers werecorrect.” The screen also showed the six possible answer choices fromthe question, with the proper choices highlighted. Susan's price levelnow increased from $4.10 to $6.50. The level of mercury in herthermometer also increased proportionally.

On Susan's final question, she selected two of three correct answers.Susan's price level now increased from $6.50 to a final price level of$8.80. The mercury in her thermometer again increased. The thermometerwas now almost 90% full. A new screen then displayed the message,“Congratulations, you have won a price level of $8.80. This leaves youwith a gap of only $1.20 between your price level and the average retailprice of the products below. You may now select up to three of thefollowing 24 products to purchase. You may purchase each by paying only$1.20. You have already won the remainder of the purchase price!” Underthe message were graphic illustrations and short text descriptions oftwenty-four products. Among the products were pizzas, appetizers,entrees, and desserts at local restaurants, car washes, haircuts, oilchanges, manicures, dry cleanings, and more. Susan noticed that all ofthe products presented were products she had been asked about during thegame.

Susan selected three of the products by clicking on their respectiveimages. Her account was charged $3.60 (3×$1.20), leaving her with $1.15.Susan's screen then displayed a message, “Thank you for playing. Toobtain your products just click on the ‘print’ button below. Yourprinter will print out three certificates, one for each product youpurchased. Just bring each certificate to the indicated local merchantin order to receive your product.”

Susan clicked on the print button, and her printer printed out the threecertificates. Susan took each certificate to the local merchant offeringthe corresponding product. At each merchant's store, she was able toexchange a certificate for one of her products. Also, once at thestores, Susan was able to learn more about what types of other productsand services were available. At one store, much to the merchant'ssatisfaction, Susan made several purchases in addition to redeeming hercertificate.

According to another example process, in one step at least one productfor which a user will play is determined. For example, a set of productsmay be determined based on a location indicated by a user, based on oneor more presentation rules, based on the preferences of one or moremerchants and/or the controller, and/or based on a preference indicatedby a user. According to the example process, a target price is alsodetermined (e.g., based on an average retail price of one or moreproducts). Play of a game is also initiated. For example, a game servermay present game instructions or provide a first game even (e.g., aquestion related to a product offered by a merchant). Continuing withthe example process, a price level is adjusted based on play of thegame. For example, a player's price level is increased from $2.25 to$3.78 based on the player's answering two of three questions correctly.A final price level is then communicated to a user. For example, a pricemeter depicting the price level achieved at the end of a game session isdisplayed to a player. At least one product is also determined. Forexample, a showcase of products may be determined for use in a gameand/or for presentation to a user for selecting one or more prizes.Further, the user is charged for at least one product. For example, asdiscussed herein, a gap price may be determined based on a credit amountearned by a player and/or a retail value of a product. An amount may bededucted from a user's account, for example. The user is also providedwith means to obtain the at least one purchased product (e.g., acertificate, a prize code, redemption information). Additional examplesconsistent with at least some of these steps are discussed in thisdisclosure.

F. Additional Embodiments

According to some Prize Meter embodiments, a player's success inanswering price-oriented questions may be communicated on a visual PrizeMeter that is divided into “color zones.” The Prize Meter is adjustedafter each “round” (e.g., a question and answer set) based on theplayer's success in answering questions. In order to make it to the nextround, the player must surpass a certain threshold or color zone on thePrize Meter. For example, a player must answer a question with asufficient level of accuracy or correctness in order to advance thePrize Meter from a first yellow zone to a second green zone. The visualcolor zones thus create a notion of entitlement to get to the nextlevel. Ultimately, players may be required to achieve a certain level orcolor zone in order to be eligible for retail entitlements.

Alternatively or additionally, game elements may be based on data otherthan geographic data associated with the user. In some embodiments, forexample, the determination of which game elements to incorporate into agame (e.g., which products go in a prize showcase) may be based oncustomer history data. For instance, customer history data may beconsidered in a game configuration process. In this way, customers maybe prevented from playing for products they have previously won within acertain time period (e.g., within the last week). Such conditions, ofcourse, might be incorporated as a presentation rule.

In some embodiments, the determination of which game elements toincorporate into a game (e.g., which products go in a showcase) may bebased on a real-time assessment of a retailer's inventory or sales data.For example, if a given item is set to expire in the near future, it maybe included as a game element in an effort to increase demand for theitem.

In an alternate embodiment, players may customize game elements so thatmerchant and product data utilized in a game reflects the player'sindividual input about which merchants are geographically appropriate.Thus, a player may customize a game so that merchants along the route hecommutes to work may provide the prizes.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the number of playersallowed to play a particular version or edition of a game (e.g., duringa particular period of time) may be limited. For example, the “Stamfordedition” may be limited to one hundred fifty players per day. Thus, whena player selects a geographic area from a menu of options, for example,the controller may be configured to consult a database and determine ifthe limit has been surpassed. If the limit has been surpassed, a playermay be barred from playing the selected edition at that time.Periodically (e.g., at the end of each day), the controller could begina new count.

Further, in some embodiments, particular players may be prevented fromplaying certain editions more than a certain number of times (e.g.,within a given period). For example, the controller would record (e.g.,in the player database 220, in a customer history database) theoccurrence of each player's game session. Upon each subsequent attemptby the player to play the same edition, such a record would be consultedand the number of times the player has already played that edition wouldbe compared against a numerical limit rule. Periodically (e.g., at theend of each day), the controller could begin a new count. Players whoare prevented from playing certain editions (e.g., because a numericallimit has been surpassed) may be encouraged in some embodiments to playan alternate edition of a game (e.g., a game featuring merchants andproducts from a neighboring geographic region).

In some embodiments, certain players who would otherwise be preventedfrom playing certain editions (e.g., because a numerical limit has beensurpassed) may bypass or otherwise circumvent the numerical limit rule.For example, certain players may be deemed to have a certain status(e.g., “VIP” players) based on information about the player (e.g., pastpatronage, prior level of success in answering price-oriented questions)and may accordingly be granted the ability to play certain editionsregardless of the numerical limit rule. Thus, some embodiments mayinclude determining a status of a user.

In some embodiments, a website hosting geographically-segmented orgeographically-configured games may be rendered to indicate the “highscorers” in one or more geographic regions (e.g., in a displayed list ofthe ten top-ranked players).

In an alternate embodiment, a retail entitlement may include a discountredeemable at a retail merchant. Thus, in such an embodiment, a playermight not pay the controller a price corresponding with a productoffered by a retail merchant, but may instead pay the retail merchantfor the product directly, at a price reflecting a discount permitted bythe retail entitlement. In some embodiments, the opportunity to purchasethe product at the discounted price from the merchant is a prize (e.g.,for playing a game).

Some embodiments of the present invention include a method fordetermining whether a location associated with a user is in the samegeographic region as at least one merchant. Such a method may alsoinclude determining whether a number of promotions that have beendistributed (e.g., for the at least one merchant) is less than apredetermined maximum number (e.g., a number of prize units sponsored byor provided to the controller by a merchant). If the number ofpromotions distributed is less than the predetermined maximum number,the controller makes the user eligible to receive a promotion (e.g., adiscount). If, on the other hand, the location of the user is not in theregion, and the number of promotions that have been distributed is lessthan the predetermined maximum number, the user may be prompted toconfirm that the user intends to redeem the promotion (e.g., intends totravel to the merchant's location to obtain associated product). In thisway, a system may be able to confirm the willingness and/or intention ofnon-local prospective customers to participate in promotions associatedwith local retail merchants. Thus, the effectiveness of a given discountpromotion may be improved by obtaining an affirmative confirmation fromnon-local prospective customers as to their willingness and/or intentionto participate in (e.g., redeem) a given promotional discount orentitlement.

In some alternative embodiments, a method is provided in which acontroller determines whether a user is a non-local user, and if theuser is a non-local user, transmits a request for confirmation of theuser's intention to travel to redeem a promotion (e.g., an entitlement,a discount). The method may also include receiving an indication of theuser's intention to travel to redeem a discount promotion, and afterreceiving the indication, transmitting an indication of a voucher to theuser.

As discussed herein, according to some embodiments a controller may beconfigured to receive data from a user device including the user'sgeographical location. For example, a user may transmit her ZIP code tothe controller through her user device. The controller then identifies ageographical location associated with at least one participating retailmerchant. Such geographical data may be retrieved from a database (e.g.,a merchant database 225). Then, a determination is made, based on one ormore stored rules, as to whether the user's geographical location iswithin a predefined distance from the at least one participating retailmerchant's geographical location. In one example, a determination ismade as to whether the retailer and the customer are within the samegeographical region. If the two locations are within a predefineddistance (e.g., if they are within the same geographical region), thecontroller queries a database (e.g., a prize database 230) to determineif a numerical limit associated with a discount promotion has beensurpassed (e.g., if the number of available units has reached zero). Forexample, in a situation where promotional entitlements are to be givenout to only a limited number of customers, the controller may query adatabase to determine if the limit has been reached. If the numericallimit has not been surpassed, the controller provides the (local) userwith the opportunity to participate in a discount promotion with the atleast one retail merchant. For example, the controller may allow theuser to download and print a voucher that may be presented to aretailer. If the two locations are not within a predefined distance, thecontroller queries a database to determine if a numerical limitassociated with a discount promotion has been surpassed (i.e. in alimited-participation promotion, that the limit has not been surpassed).If the numerical limit has not been surpassed, the controller outputs aprompt signal, such as a coded HTML Web page, to the (non-local) user.The content of the prompt signal may serve to ask the user to confirmhis or her willingness and/or intention to participate in the redemptionof a discount promotion. If the user so confirms (e.g., by transmittinga signal so indicating though his or her user device), the controllerprovides the user with the opportunity to participate in a discountpromotion with the at least one retail merchant.

In one example scenario, Bob, a consumer living in County B, logs on toa website configured to distribute entitlements to promotional discountson behalf of retail merchants from various geographical regions. Moreparticularly, the website provides consumers with the ability to playgames and win vouchers good for discounted or free merchandise atparticipating retailers. After playing the game, it is determined thatBob has won a voucher good for a sandwich at Mary's Fast FoodRestaurant, located in County A. However, before providing Bob with theability to download the voucher, the controller consults a database toconfirm that not more than a limited number of vouchers have been issued(e.g., that not more than one hundred vouchers have been issued ifMary's Fast Food Restaurant does not wish to distribute more than onehundred vouchers).

The controller then determines, based on one or more stored rules, thatMary's Fast Food Restaurant prefers to issue such vouchers toprospective customers who reside in County A, and only wishes to issuesuch vouchers to residents of County B if they confirm their intentionto redeem the vouchers. Accordingly, because Bob is a non-local residentof County B, he is presented with a confirmation screen that includesthe message: “Bob, are you sure that you intend to travel to County A topick up your sandwich at Mary's Fast Food Restaurant?” After clicking ona button marked “Yes,” the website displays a voucher screen to Bob thatincludes a voucher identifier. Bob prints the voucher and stores it inhis wallet, anticipating his trip to County A. When Bob visits Mary'sFast Food Restaurant, a clerk there confirms the validity of the voucherby either checking the voucher identifier against a printed list oragainst a local or remote database.

In some embodiments, a non-local user may be ineligible to receive anentitlement from a merchant (e.g., if the merchant is in a differentregion). For example, if a location associated with a user and alocation associated with at least one merchant are not within apredefined distance (or if the numerical limit associated with thediscount promotion has been surpassed), in some embodiments thecontroller may prevent the user from participating in a discountpromotion with the at least one retail merchant. The controller mightprovide the user with the ability to participate in an alternativepromotion (e.g., a manufacturer-sponsored promotion that is not specificto a certain retailer). In this manner, limited discount promotions maybe reserved exclusively for prospective local customers. Additionally,if the prospective customer is local and limited-participationpromotions associated with local retailers are exhausted, or if theprospective customer is non-local, the prospective customer might beprovided with the ability to participate in alternative promotions, suchas manufacturer-sponsored promotions that are not specific to localretailers.

In one example, John, a resident of County B, logs on to a website whichprovides consumers with the ability to play games and win vouchers goodfor discounted or free merchandise at participating retailers. Althoughthere are no participating merchants willing to provide promotionalentitlements to residents of County B, John is allowed to play games onthe website and possibly win alternative promotional entitlements, suchas manufacturer coupons for national brand products.

In some other embodiments of the present invention, if a locationassociated with a user and a location associated with at least onemerchant are not within a predefined distance (i.e., the user isnon-local), the controller may identify a second numerical limitassociated with a discount promotion that is based on the likelihood ofnon-local customers redeeming promotional entitlements associated withlocal merchants. If the second numerical limit for the given promotionhas not been surpassed, the controller provides the (non-local) userwith the opportunity to participate in the discount promotion with theat least one retail merchant. In this manner, entitlements to discountpromotions at local retailers can be overbooked with issuances tonon-local customers. This allows for the likely event that fewer thanall non-local customers will ultimately redeem promotional entitlements.

In one example, Retailer Y may have previously registered with a centralwebsite to provide a limited number of promotional entitlements tonon-local customers. In this example, the number of entitlements isbased in part on the rate at which non-local customers are expected toredeem such entitlements. For instance, if it is expected that only 80%of non-local prospective customers will redeem issued promotions,Retailer Y may wish to overbook issuances of promotional entitlements tonon-local prospective customers by issuing 120% of the number ofentitlements that Retailer Y actually would prefer to honor. In thisway, Sara, a resident of County B, might log on to the central website,play a game, and might win a promotional entitlement to Retailer Y inCounty A, despite Sara's residence in County B.

In some embodiments, non-local customers may be permitted to receivepromotional entitlements, but may be required to register a defaultcustomer (e.g., relative) that will receive (e.g., via email) thepromotional entitlement if the first non-local customer does not redeemthe entitlement with a certain amount of time.

In other embodiments, non-local customers may be permitted to receivepromotional entitlements, and may be given the option of forfeiting suchpromotional entitlements if it subsequently becomes apparent that theywill not be able to redeem the entitlement at the relevant localretailer. Forfeiture may in turn entitle the non-local customer to acash refund (e.g., 80% of the value of the initial promotionalentitlement) or other value.

In some embodiments, non-local customers may be issued promotionalentitlements only if they agree to pay a penalty in the event that theydo not redeem the entitlement within a certain amount of time. Further,such penalties may be directly charged to a financial account associatedwith the non-local customer (e.g., a credit card account).

In some embodiments, the local/non-local determination may occur basedon rules established by the merchants. For example, Merchant A may wishto define local customers as those living within a ten-mile radius,while Merchant B may wish to define local customers as those livingwithin a five-mile radius.

According to some embodiments, prior to, during initiation of the game,or at any time, the controller may also present instructions for play ofthe game. For example, the controller may display to the user, “In thisgame, you will see one question at a time. Each question will have fourpossible answer choices. To answer a question, just click your mousepointer in the circle next to your answer choice.” The controller mayalso provide various other instructions or information about the play ofthe game. For instance, the controller may indicate that the object ofthe game is to bring a price level up to the target price, that thecurrent price level will be increased for every correct answer, thatthere will be four rounds in the game, that there is no time limit, andso on.

In one or more embodiments, a user's performance in a game may bemeasured by a score. For example, a user may score one point for eachcorrect answer he selects for a question. A user may also score pointsbased on how rapidly he answers a question, solves a puzzle, orotherwise conducts a game. At the conclusion of the game, or at someother point in the game, the score may be converted into a price level.For instance, the controller may store a predefined table thatcorrelates all possible scores in a game to price levels. In embodimentswhere a score is converted to a price level, the user need notnecessarily see an initial price level, and need not necessarily see aprice level as it increases over the course of the game. The user mayinstead follow the progress of his score, and see his price level onlyat the end of the game once his score has been converted to a pricelevel.

In one or more embodiments, a user may be allowed to replay a portion ofa game. For example, if the user does poorly in a particular round of agame, then the user may have the opportunity to replay the round. Ofcourse, a user may be allowed to redo any other game event. With theability to replay a portion of a game, a user may have the opportunityto achieve a more favorable price level.

In one or more embodiments, the user may always have the opportunity toachieve a final price level equal to the target price. The user maytherefore always have the opportunity to obtain one or more products forfree. However, the user may be required to play a game perfectly inorder to match the target price. The controller may make it difficult tomatch the target price by always incorporating at least one difficultgame event into a game. For example, the controller may alwaysincorporate at least one difficult question into a trivia game.

In one or more embodiments, it may be desirable to allow a user toachieve a price level equal to the target price. With a price levelequal to the target price, a user would obtain one or more productswithout having to pay anything (although the user may still have to pay$0.25 to play). The ability to obtain a product without paying may behighly motivational for a user. However, if the user obtains a priceequal to the target price, then the controller may lose money on anyproducts the user chooses. For instance, in those embodiments in whichthe controller must pay for a product guarantee, but will receive nopayment for the product from the user, the controller may lose money.

In one embodiment, a user must exhibit optimal play of a game in orderto win a price equal to the target price. Optimal play may compriseselecting all answers correctly for all questions in a game. Such a taskmay be difficult for a user, and it may therefore be difficult for auser to obtain a price level equal to the target price.

In one or more embodiments, a user may have the opportunity to win aprice level that is higher than the target price. For example, if theuser exhibits perfect play in a game, then the user may win a pricelevel of $1.00 above the target price. The user may thereby obtain oneor more products for free. Additionally, the user may receive somebenefit based on the amount by which the price level exceeds the targetprice. To use the prior example, the $1.00 may be added to the user'saccount with the controller. The $1.00 may also be paid directly to theuser via check, for example. Alternatively, the $1.00 may apply towardsa subsequent game. For instance, the user may begin a subsequent gamewith a price level of $1.00. As will be appreciated, many other benefitsmay be provided to the user based on the amount by which a price levelin a game exceeds a target price.

In one or more embodiments, the controller may indicate to the user therelationship between the user's game performance and the amount by whicha price level will increase (or between the user game performance andthe new level of the price). For example, the controller may display atable indicating an amount of an increase in a credit amountcorresponding to each possible number of correct answers selected by auser (e.g., in answering a question about local merchants). Forinstance, a Prize Meter might increase by $0.25 if the user selectsexactly one correct answer choice. It will be understood that there aremany other ways in which the controller might indicate to the user therelationship between game performance and the increase in user's pricelevel. For example, the controller may indicate a function such as“credit increase=$0.25×#answers correct−$0.10.”

In one or more embodiments, the controller may not indicate to the userthe relationship between the user's game performance and the amount bywhich a game score or other performance measure will increase. Thecontroller may store such a relationship internally without indicatingit.

In one or more embodiments, a price level may represent a price the usermust pay to obtain a product (similar to a Price Tag). In theseembodiments, a price level may begin at the average price of products ina showcase, and may decrease over the course of the game. The user maytry to bring the price level to zero, in which case the user would nothave to pay for a product.

In one or more embodiments, the controller need not pay for a productguarantee or other type of entitlement. Merchants may be willing toprovide entitlements to the controller for free if it means that themerchants will acquire new customers. Merchants may even pay thecontroller to accept product guarantees and/or to offer the merchants'products in product showcases.

In one or more embodiments, a user need not pay the gap between a finalprice level or credit amount and a target price out of his own pocket.Instead, the user may find a third-party merchant to pay the gap forhim. In return, the user may agree to perform activities that benefit athird-party merchant. Such activities may include answering surveyquestions, viewing advertisements, or conducting business. For example,there may be a $2.00 gap between the user's final price level and thetarget price of a particular showcase. Rather than paying the $2.00using funds from his account, the user may agree to answer ten surveyquestions about the desirability of a new dietary supplement. Themanufacturer of the dietary supplement may, in turn, pay the $2.00 gapso that the user may obtain a product from the showcase without anyfinancial outlay of his own.

In one or more embodiments, it may be desirable that a question, round,or other game event have more than two possible results. For example, itmay be desirable that a user be able to get one, two, or three answerchoices correct rather than simply getting a question right or wrong.When a game event has multiple possible results, it is possible toincrease a price level or other indicator of game performance by severaldifferent corresponding amounts. It is therefore possible to create morevariation in the overall results of the game. In other words, it may bepossible for the user to finish with a number of different price levels.A question in which a user must select multiple answers allows for sucha variation in the results of a game. Similarly, a round of a game thatinvolves multiple questions may allow for the possibility that a userobtains zero, one, two, three, or four, or more questions correct. InScrabble™, there may be multiple words a user can form on any given playof the game. Many other games allow for game events in which there aremore than two possible results.

1. A game system for providing a local edition of an online game, thegame system comprising: a game device; a game server in communicationwith the game device, the game server comprising: a processor, and astorage device in communication with the processor, the storage devicestoring instructions adapted to be executed by the processor for:receiving from the game device an indication of a geographic location;determining geographic data about a prize sponsor; determining gamecontent based on the geographic location and the geographic data aboutthe prize sponsor; transmitting the game content to the game device;determining at least one prize to offer a player based on the geographiclocation, in which determining the at least one prize to offer theplayer includes not selecting any prize of a category of which theplayer has accepted a prize within a predetermined preceding period oftime; prior to initiating play of a local edition of an online gameincluding the game content, displaying to the player the at least oneprize; prior to initiating play of the local edition of the online game,receiving an indication of a selection by the player of a prize, fromthe at least one displayed prize, that the player will play for; andinitiating play of the local edition of the online game, in which playcomprises providing the player a first question about the prize selectedby the player that the player will play for.
 2. The game system of claim1, further comprising: a second storage device in communication with thegame server, the second storage device storing data that identifies aplurality of prize sponsors, in which each prize sponsor of theplurality of prize sponsors is associated with respective geographicdata, and in which each prize sponsor of the plurality of prize sponsorsis associated with at least one respective prize.
 3. The game system ofclaim 1, in which determining the at least one prize to offer the playercomprises: identifying a local prize sponsor from the plurality of prizesponsors based on the geographic location and the respective geographicdata associated with each prize sponsor; and determining a prize tooffer the player, in which the prize is associated with the local prizesponsor.
 4. A method comprising: receiving information about a pluralityof merchants, each merchant being associated with respective firstgeographic data; determining second geographic data that is associatedwith a user; determining a set of local products based on the firstgeographic data and the second geographic data; generating, by anelectronic controller device, a local edition of a game, the localedition including a representation of at least one local product fromthe set of local products, in which generating comprises not selectingany local product of a category of which the user has accepted anentitlement within a predetermined preceding period of time;determining, by the electronic controller device, a measure ofperformance of the user in the game; determining, by the electroniccontroller device and based on the measure of performance, whether toprovide the user with at least one entitlement; and prior to generatingthe local edition of the game, receiving, by the electronic controllerdevice, an indication of a selection by the user of at least oneentitlement, in which each at least one selected entitlement isassociated with a respective local product from the set of localproducts, in which the local edition of the game comprises providing theuser a first question about at least one entitlement selected by theplayer.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: determining aplurality of offers based on the geographic data.
 6. A methodcomprising: determining geographic data that is associated with a user;determining at least one game element based on the geographic data;prior to initiating a game including the at least one game element,transmitting to the user an indication of a plurality of retailentitlements, in which none of the plurality of retail entitlements isof a category of which the user has accepted a retail entitlement withina predetermined preceding period of time; prior to initiating the game,receiving, by an electronic controller device, an indication of aselection by the user of at least one retail entitlement that the userwill play for; initiating, by the electronic controller device, the gamefor the user, the game including the at least one game element, in whichthe game comprises providing the user a first question about a retailentitlement selected by the player to play for; determining a measure ofperformance of the user; determining whether to provide at least oneretail entitlement to the user based on the measure of performance; andproviding, via the electronic controller device, at least one retailentitlement to the user.
 7. The method of claim 6, in which determiningthe measure of performance of the user comprises: increasing the measureof performance based on play of the game by the user.
 8. The method ofclaim 6, in which determining the measure of performance of the usercomprises: decreasing the measure of performance based on play of thegame by the user.
 9. The method of claim 6, further comprising:displaying an indication of the measure of performance to the user. 10.The method of claim 6, in which displaying the indication of the measureof performance comprises: displaying the measure of performance using aprice meter.
 11. The method of claim 6, in which the measure ofperformance comprises a credit amount.
 12. The method of claim 6, inwhich the measure of performance comprises a price.
 13. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising: determining a purchase amount for the atleast one retail entitlement; and receiving the purchase amount from theuser.
 14. The method of claim 13, in which determining the purchaseamount comprises: determining the purchase amount based on the measureof performance.
 15. The method of claim 13, in which determining thepurchase amount comprises: determining a target price; and subtractingthe measure of performance from the target price to determine thepurchase amount.
 16. The method of claim 6, in which the at least onegame element comprises at least one of: an indication of a merchant, arepresentation of a product, a price of a product, a question about aprice of a product, and an indication of a location of the user.
 17. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising: transmitting respectiveindications of a plurality of products to the user.
 18. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising: displaying a showcase of prizes to theuser.
 19. The method of claim 18, in which displaying the showcasecomprises: displaying the showcase of prizes to the user after play ofthe game is completed.
 20. The method of claim 6, in which determiningwhether to provide at least one retail entitlement to the usercomprises: determining, based on the measure of performance, how manyretail entitlements the user is eligible to receive.
 21. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising: receiving a payment from the user inexchange for the at least one retail entitlement.
 22. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising: determining an amount to charge the userfor the at least one retail entitlement.
 23. A computer-readable mediumstoring instructions configured to direct a processor to perform themethod of claim
 6. 24. An apparatus comprising: a processor; and thecomputer readable medium of claim 23 in communication with theprocessor.
 25. A method comprising: determining geographic data that isassociated with a player; determining a plurality of prizes based on thegeographic data; in which determining the plurality of prizes comprisesnot selecting any prize of a category of which the player has accepted aprize within a predetermined preceding period of time prior toinitiating a game, transmitting to the user an indication of theplurality of prizes; prior to initiating the game, receiving, by anelectronic controller device, an indication of a selection by theplayer, from the plurality of prizes, of at least one prize that theplayer will play for; initiating the game, by the electronic controllerdevice, in which the game comprises providing the player a firstquestion about a prize selected by the player that the player will playfor; determining, by the electronic controller device, a measure ofperformance of the player in the game; determining, by the electroniccontroller device and based on the measure of performance, whether toallow the player to select at least one prize from the at least oneprize that the player selected to play for; and receiving, by theelectronic controller device, an indication of a selection by the playerof at least one prize from the at least one prize that the playerselected to play for.
 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:transmitting redemption information to the customer, the redemptioninformation including an indication of the selected at least one prize.27. The method of claim 26, in which the redemption informationcomprises information about a printable certificate.
 28. The method ofclaim 26, in which the redemption information comprises a prize code.29. The method of claim 26, further comprising: storing an indication ofissuance of the at least one prize to the customer.
 30. The method ofclaim 26, further comprising: receiving a request from a merchant tovalidate a retail entitlement.
 31. The method of claim 30, furthercomprising: determining whether the retail entitlement is valid.
 32. Themethod of claim 31, further comprising: transmitting to the merchant asignal that indicates whether the retail entitlement is valid.
 33. Amethod comprising: determining location data that is associated with auser; determining at least one game element based on the location data;prior to initiating a game for the user including the at least one gameelement, transmitting to the user an indication of a plurality of retailentitlements, in which none of the plurality of retail entitlements isof a category of which the user has accepted a retail entitlement withina predetermined preceding period of time; prior to initiating the game,receiving, by the electronic controller device, an indication of aselection by the user of at least one retail entitlement that the userwill play for; initiating, by an electronic controller device, the gamefor the user, the game including the at least one game element, in whichthe game comprises providing the user a first question about a retailentitlement selected by the user that the user will play for;determining a measure of performance of the user; determining a purchaseamount of at least one retail entitlement based on the measure ofperformance; and providing, by the electronic controller device, theuser with a certificate associated with the at least one retailentitlement in exchange for the purchase amount, in which thecertificate is redeemable by the user at a merchant.
 34. A methodcomprising: determining geographic data that is associated with a user;determining a plurality of local merchants based on the geographic data;determining, by an electronic controller device, a measure ofperformance of the user in a game; determining, by the electroniccontroller device and based on the measure of performance, whether toallow the user to select at least one retail entitlement; and prior toinitiating the game for the user, receiving, by the electroniccontroller device, an indication of a selection by the user of at leastone retail entitlement, in which each at least one retail entitlementselected by the user is associated with a respective local merchant ofthe plurality of local merchants, in which none of the at least oneselected retail entitlement is of a category of which the user hasaccepted a retail entitlement within a predetermined preceding period oftime, and in which the game comprises providing the user a firstquestion about a retail entitlement selected by the user.